Affiliate Societies

The mission of the Africa Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) is to advocate for the highest ethical and professional standards and skills in blood transfusion across the African continent, enabling safe, universally accessible and sustainable national blood programmes in participating countries.

The AfSBT will achieve its intended Mission through the implementation of a range of support­ing Strategic Objectives. These objectives include:

• Developing and supporting the implementation of the AfSBT Step-wise Accreditation Programme that endorses operating standards of the highest quality for the practice of blood transfusion and takes cognisance of the disparate states of development of blood services in Africa.
• Developing and making available in Africa, the AfSBT Education and Training Programme that is appropriate for the practice of blood transfusion at international standard; courses are based on distance learning and e-learning technology and complement the AfSBT Step-wise Accreditation Programme.
• Designing and establishing distance learning technology to support and disseminate the education programmes and communication platforms of AfSBT. 
• Advocating improved blood programmes in African countries, to national authorities, international organisations, and other support groups. 
• Communicating and sharing information related to blood transfusion and relevant to the African region.

https://afsbt.org

Instituto Pró-Hemo Saúde - IPH is a Civil Society Organization - CSO, according to the precepts of Law 13.019/2014, non-profit, philanthropic, founded in 2013 and whose primary objective is to support social actions in health, teaching and research, notably in the areas of hematology and hemotherapy, as well as providing support in the management of Brazilian blood centers.

Website:

prohemo.org.br

Twitter:

@AMMTAC1

Website:

www.ammtac.org

SOCHIHEM is a private non-profit corporation, founded in 1943, which voluntarily brings together professionals related to Hematology and Transfusion Medicine.

Our mission is defined around three objectives:

1. Promote scientific knowledge, stimulating the improvement of the associates of these specialties
2. Disseminate the problems that affect their professional practice and teaching, asking the competent authorities to develop policies, plans and programs aimed at improving health actions related to Hematology, Transfusion Medicine and the operation of the establishments that grant them
3. Promote the interrelationship between this Society and related national and international societies

Website:

www.sochihem.cl/site/

Vision Statements

• To inspire and promote safe transfusion practices
• To promote quality and provide guidance for hospital transfusion services
• To facilitate opportunities for education and research in transfusion medicine
• To cultivate regional, national, and international partnerships with key stakeholders

Twitter:

@CanSocTransMed

Website:

www.transfusion.ca

International Association of Asia-Pacific Blood Types and Genomics (IAABG) is a non-profit academic organization composed of voluntary institutions, enterprises, professionals, and scholars engaged in immunohematology, genomics, and molecular biology. The purpose of the Association is to unite those people from all over the world, to promote collaboration and innovation, to seek for the union of scientific research institutions and medical institutions, to promote blood transfusion and relevant industries towards precision in diagnosis, medication, treatment, and transfusion via industry-university-research cooperation mode and to serve the people for their health.

The Blood and Genomics journal (ISSN 2707-8957), a peer-reviewed open-access publication (the successor of Asia-Pacific Journal of Blood Types and Genes, by IAABG), intends to provide the researchers and clinicians globally to disseminate important information in aspects of experimental and clinical medicine of blood diseases and blood transfusion, and genomics research on blood, etc. Blood and Genomics is covered by major abstracting and indexing services and welcomes submissions from authors worldwide. Two issues annually feature editorial, comment, original research article, review, case report, technical report, letter to the editor, etc.

Website:

www.humanbloodgroup.com; http://www.blood-genomics.com;

Website:

www.hsa.gov.sg/

Macao Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS), a department under Health Bureau of the Government of Macao Special Administrative Region, is the only institution which supplies blood and its derivatives in the territory.

MBTS was set up in 1988 with the cost fully born by the Government. Blood supply is provided to all patients in need through the local hospitals. The quality of all blood products meet the standard set by Council of Europe, Select Committee of Experts on Quality Assurance in Blood Transfusion Services.

In July of 2003, BTC has been awarded ISO9001:2000 management system certificate.

Website:

www.ssm.gov.mo/cts/en/

Malaysian Blood Transfusion Society (MBTS) is an organisation working to enhance knowledge of all aspects of transfusion medicine for the benefit of all individuals involved in the field of transfusion medicine especially in Malaysia. 

At MBTS, we are dedicated to promoting and improving the blood transfusion field in Malaysia. We offer a variety of services to support this mission, including blood donation drives, educational programs, and research initiatives. Our team of experts works tirelessly to ensure that the blood that is donated is safe and effective for those in need. We employ the latest advancements in technology and research to provide the best possible care for our patients. 

Website:

www.mbtsweb.org.my/home

Website:

nctm.mohs.gov.mn/

The Dubai Health Authority's Blood Donation Center (DBDC) was founded in 1986.

It is the main blood donation center in Dubai and it is committed to providing a safe and adequate supply of blood to all DHA hospitals & private hospitals in Dubai. The facility is accredited by the American Association of Blood Bank (AABB) since 2012.

DBDC collects around 50% of the total blood collected throughout the country and collects around 50,000 blood units  every year (according to 2016 statistics).

The Erbil Blood Bank, established in 2012, is a vital healthcare facility located in Erbil, the capital city of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq. It has been at the forefront of adopting information technology in its operations since 2022. 

The Erbil blood bank plays a critical role in the collection, testing, processing, and distribution of blood and blood products to meet the medical needs of the region. It operates with a team of 260 highly trained professionals, including hematologists, laboratory technicians, biologists, and support staff. Together, they ensure the entire process of blood donation is managed efficiently and in accordance with international guidelines and standards.

Bring Brilliant Minds of Transfusion (BBMT) Pakistan is a national blood transfusion society. The BBMT – Pakistan is a society of like-minded, dedicated transfusion professionals from across Pakistan. Established in 2021, BBMT aims to enhance and support the blood systems within Pakistan. Over the past four years, BBMT has organized annual conferences globally, with the most recent event held in Azerbaijan in November 2023. For 2024, BBMT is preparing to host an international conference in Malaysia in December. This upcoming event will draw transfusion experts from across the country and will also feature distinguished speakers from international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT), Malaysian Haematology Society, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) Iran, and others. Building on this momentum, BBMT – Pakistan is poised to host the conference in Pakistan in the near future, with participation from the international transfusion fraternity.

The current Governing Council is set to serve until 2027. Dr. Dure Naz Jamal, Director of the Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority, has been appointed President. Dr. Jamal is known for her comprehensive regulatory framework for Sindh’s blood banks, which is serving as a model for other provinces. Dr. Usman Waheed, Associate Professor at Islamabad Medical and Dental College, has been named Secretary. With significant contributions to the national blood safety project and authoring blood safety legislation and national policies, Dr. Waheed is expected to steer the organization with expertise. The council includes Vice Presidents from each province: Dr. Tariq Masood (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Prof. Shabnam Bashir (Punjab), Prof. Hanif Mengal (Balochistan), Prof. Zahida Qasim (AJK/GB), and Prof. Muhammad Anwar (Sindh). Yaseen Khan, from Sundas Foundation is the Media Secretary, Dr. Akhlaaq Wazeer, Scientific Secretary, while Usman Rasheed Butt, a well-known lawyer, acts as the Legal Advisor. Executive members from all provinces are also part of the council, with plans to form an international Advisory Group.

BBMT operates as a non-governmental organization (NGO) under the VSWA Ordinance of 1961, Government of Pakistan. BBMT’s objectives include enhancing collaboration, education, training opportunities, supporting research, upholding high standards, and raising public awareness about blood transfusion medicine.

The Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine, the professional body representing medical scientists in Ireland. Medical science is a regulated and state registered profession
The Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU established its register on 31 March 2019. As and from this date the Medical Scientists Registration Board is designated as the Competent Authority for the profession of Medical Scientist under the relevant legislation.

The vision of the Academy is “To support excellence in clinical science and laboratory medicine, and in doing so, enhance patient outcomes”.

Laboratory medicine is a clinical service and the clinical sciences that underpin laboratory medicine are; Cellular Pathology (Histopathology), Clinical Chemistry, Haematology, Immunology, Medical Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics, POCT, Transfusion and Transplantation Science and Virology. Medical scientists are at the forefront not only in the provision of these services but in the management and delivery of the services.

Website:

acslm.ie/

The British Blood Transfusion Society (BBTS) is the UK's only society dedicated to supporting Transfusion Professionals. The BBTS is a membership society, professional body and charity committed to the research, development and advanced study of blood transfusion. BBTS supports the professional community by providing career development and learning opportunities, ensuring the constant advancement of the profession.
Their membership base is made up of professionals from across the transfusion community at all levels of their career. From students hoping to enter the field, to those currently working in transfusion, right through to retired professionals hoping to keep up to date with latest developments.  

Website:

www.bbts.org.uk

Mission:
Develop and maintain clinical immunology as a specialist area that comprise:

• Blood banking and transfusion medicine
• Cell and tissue banking
• Transplantation immunology
• Diagnostic immunology

The intention is to strengthen these areas in relation to professionalism, clinic, research, innovation, and education

Aim:
Optimized and standardized treatment of patients and donors

• State-of-the-art production of SOHO and diagnostic analyses
• Avoid bottlenecks in diagnostic and treatment by supporting multidisciplinary cooperation and timely results of analyses
• Cooperation and hereby development of national guidelines, quality control and the most efficient use of available resources (experts and machines)

The Israeli Association of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine is a professional organization representing hematologists and transfusion medicine specialists in Israel. Its mission is to advance the field of hematology and Transfusion Medicine through education, research, and collaboration. The association provides a platform for members to share knowledge, network with colleagues, and stay updated on the latest developments in their field. It also plays a role in advocating for the needs of patients with hematological disorders and promoting blood donation

Website:

mstm.mk/

Website:

ttps://nvbtransfusie.nl/

The Spanish Society of Blood Transfusion, created in 1988, is the scientific association of professionals dedicated to blood donation and transfusion and among its objectives are to promote research, discussion, dissemination and application among its associates of scientific advances related with blood banks and with other areas in the broad field of biotechnology and organ and tissue transplants and promote their technical development, participate in the training of professionals and promote blood donation and the ethical aspects of transfusion.

SETS is a multidisciplinary association and this characteristic is reflected in its congresses, its working groups and even in the composition of its Board of Directors. Among its members many professionals from other countries, especially from Latin America and Portugal.

Twitter:

@SETS_es

Website:

sets.es/

Created in 1938, the French scientific society dedicated to blood transfusion became in 2022 the Société Francophone de Transfusion Sanguine (SFTS). On this occasion, it included in its ranks several experts from French-speaking countries.

The Société Francophone de Transfusion Sanguine (SFTS) has the following missions:

-  Contribute to advances in transfusion medicine,

-  Represent transfusion medicine to government, official bodies and the public,

-  Develop relations with transfusion medicine societies or associations in other countries, particularly French-speaking countries,

-  Contribute to the continuous professional development and the periodic certification of health professionals working in the field of transfusion medicine, within the framework of regulatory mechanisms.

The Swedish Society of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine is an medical-scientific specialist society under the Swedish Medical Association.

Our mission is to:

• Develop the field of clinical immunology and transfusion medicine through promoting research, clinical development and arranging lectures and forums for professional exchange. 
• Formulate goals for specialist education in the subject
• Promote education in the subject for all health care professionals
• Act as a vehicle for international collaboration in scientific and educational issues. 

Our members are primiarly physicians, scientists, nurses and biomedical technicians in Sweden who are active in the field of clinical immunology or transfuion medicine. www.kitm.se

Website:

www.kitm.se

The Norwegian Society for Immunology and Transfusion Medicine (NFIT) is an association under The Norwegian Medical Association that covers immunology, cell therapy, immunohematology, and transfusion medicine. NFIT was founded in 1973 and got its current name in 1987. The membership count is approximately 100, consisting of specialists and doctors in training within immunology and transfusion medicine. The association's purposes are to:

• Promote the practical and scientific development within immunology, cell therapy, and transfusion medicine
• Safeguard the professional and scientific interests of the members
• Promote members' opportunities for leadership in the relevant departments

Website:

Norsk forening for immunologi og transfusjonsmedisin

The Welsh Blood Service (WBS) covers the whole of Wales. WBS collectS voluntary, non-remunerated blood donations from the general public. These donations are processed and tested before distribution to hospitals where they support patient care. WBS also holds blood-derived products (both NHS and Commercial) for purchase by our customer hospitals.

WBS provides an antenatal screening service to several hospitals and offer all customer hospitals specialist laboratory services to assist in the investigation of complex serological problems.

The Welsh Transplantation & Immunogenetics Laboratory, within the WBS, provides direct support to local providers of Renal and Stem Cell Transplant Services. It also operates a national panel of unrelated potential blood stem cell donors – the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

WBD contributes to the maintenance of quality standards in the transfusion and transplantation community by hosting the UK NEQAS external quality assessment scheme for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics and the Welsh Assessment of Serological Proficiency scheme (WASPS).

The WBS is a division of Velindre University NHS Trust. The Divisional Director of the WBS is supported by a Senior Management Team. The Velindre University NHS Trust Board agrees strategic objectives, and monitors operational and financial performance. There is Welsh Government oversight of the activities of the Velindre University NHS Trust.

WBS is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and effectiveness. Red Cell Immunohaematology and Automated Testing are both UKAS accredited Medical Laboratory No.9326 (ISO15189:2012) and we are an Investor in People.

The WBS is authorised and licenced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, who audit the organisation at defined periods.

Website:

www.welsh-blood.org.uk/

The Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion comprises over 400 members from diverse scientific, medical and nursing backgrounds working within the area of blood transfusion and related fields.

The broad aims of the ANZSBT are:

• The advancement of knowledge in blood transfusion and transfusion medicine.
• The promotion of improved standards in the practice of blood transfusion
• The collaboration with international and other regional societies interested in blood
• The promotion of interest in research into blood transfusion and allied subjects
• The formulation of guidelines in key areas of transfusion practice

Twitter:

@ANZSBT

Website:

www.anzsbt.org.au/

The Philippine Blood Coordinating Council (PBCC) is a non-government organization founded in 1983 and has been tasked by the Department of Health (DOH) as the professional educational arm, in the implementation of the Republic Act 7719 or the National Blood Services Act of 1994.

Blood safety is their priority agenda and have continued to conduct seminars and training workshops across the Philippines for the past 39 years, where attendees are blood bank professionals, mobile blood donation team members, and other advocates of voluntary blood donation.

Website:

pbcc.ph/home/

LinkedIn:

https://linkedin.com/company/philippine-blood-coordinating-council/about/