Promoting access to COVID-19 convalescent plasma in low- and middle-income countries

• DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2020.102957
• Publication Date: 2020-09-20T14:32:39Z
• Authors: Evan M. Bloch; Ruchika Goel; Celina Montemayor; Claudia Cohn; Aaron A.R. Tobian
• Keywords: Outreach; Pandemic; Blood collection

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain neglected in the Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) (i.e. collected from individuals after their recovery COVID-19) has emerged as a leading medical treatment for COVID-19. Studies to date support safety-and increasingly efficacy-of CCP treat This motivated large-scale procurement transfusion of CCP, notably United States (US), where inventories have been attained, government-supported stockpiling is underway. therapy that could be implemented LMICs. However, systemic transfusion-specific challenges (e.g. capacity donor mobilization collections) impede local this resource sufficient volumes meet clinical demand. raises question whether there are strategies facilitate sharing with LMICs and/or bolstering collection contend health crisis. While compelling, cost-related, logistical regulatory barriers both approaches. For one, complexity diverting national interest US) away an epidemic displays few signs abating. There also concerns regarding equitable distribution how might overcome. Further, blood donation general apply CCP; these obstacles longstanding, accounting inability many needs. Nonetheless, affords dual opportunity humanitarian outreach while tackling broader challenge safety availability.