The Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) and Tajikistan have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in blood transfusion services.
Under this agreement, both parties will jointly work on training Tajik specialists, expanding standardization, exchanging technical knowledge and experience, and improving the quality of blood transfusion services.
As reported by Mehr News Agency, IBTO sent two specialists to Tajikistan to conduct a 12-day training program focused on immunohematology and blood products.
The program included two specialized educational seminars. The seminar on immunohematology was led by Fatemeh Mirzaeian, while Nava Amini conducted a seminar dedicated to blood products.
The main goal of the program was to enhance the skills of Tajik blood transfusion specialists and support the practical application of acquired knowledge in relevant laboratories. Furthermore, a needs assessment for training was conducted, and standardized procedures were developed and implemented to improve the quality and efficiency of blood transfusion services in Tajikistan.
The training took place at the Dushanbe Blood Transfusion Center, with participation from specialists from Badakhshan, Khujand, and Bokhtar, as well as staff from the center itself. The seminars allowed participants to refine their technical expertise and strengthen practical skills in the field of blood transfusion services.
Participants underwent both theoretical and practical training on standard immunohematology tests to ensure the provision of suitable and compatible blood to patients, as well as training on the preparation and supply of blood products and related laboratory testing necessary to ensure their safety and quality.
IBTO representatives also inspected blood transfusion centers in Dushanbe, Bokhtar, and Kulob, paying particular attention to reception areas, blood donation units, and laboratories. During the visits, equipment and devices were examined and their application assessed, and centrifuges were calibrated to ensure accurate and reliable laboratory operations.
They will further work on developing standard processes and creating the necessary Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
It is planned that the training program will continue through expert exchange: Tajik specialists will travel to Iran, and Iranian experts will visit Tajikistan to further strengthen technical cooperation and advance the goals of the agreement.
In June, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Iran, John Jabbar, called the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization a successful model for emulation in the region.
Jabbar stated: 'The Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization is one of the most important and centralized blood transfusion centers in the region. The consistency and coordination of activities across the country have strengthened the organization, and this integrated structure plays a key role in ensuring the quality and safety of blood.'
This official made his remarks on June 16 during a visit to IBTO on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, which is observed annually on June 14.
He added that the World Health Organization is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization and provide it with technical and specialized support to improve blood transfusion services.
Referring to the blood safety indicators in the country, the official noted that the safety of donated blood in Iran is comparable to that in developed countries, highlighting the high quality of IBTO's services and standards.