More than half of the world's countries fail to perform full tests on donated blood, increasing the risk of spreading AIDS and other diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). From five to ten percent of people with the AIDS virus are estimated to be infected via blood transfusions. A reliable and safe blood supply is still out of reach for millions of people around the world because of lack of commitment and support on the part of many governments. Annually, more than 13 million units (pints) of blood, almost one-fifth of the world's annual consumption, are not tested for all infections that could be transmitted by transfusions. In addition to AIDS, many other diseases -- such as hepatitis B and C, malaria and syphilis, can be transmitted through transfusions. Each year, unsafe transfusion and injection practices are estimated to account for 8 million to 16 million hepatitis B infections, 2.3 to 4.7 million hepatitis C and 80,000 to 160,000 HIV infections. WHO concedes that blood testing is expensive, costing between $40 and $50 per unit. It also is not always reliable, if carried out by inadequately trained staff or with inadequate equipment. WHO hopes to change this by helping countries install national blood safety programs. Associated Press, "Much of world's blood supply not fully tested, creating risks" the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, April 7, 2000, A2 <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html <A HREF="http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
