NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving blood donation practices in Ghana to enhance safety and availability for treating severe anemia

Official title: Development and evaluation of community-based approaches and donor care intervention models for improving availability and safety of blood for the management of severe anemia in Ghana

Funded at University of Ghana · NIH-10911165 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working to change how blood donations are made in Ghana by encouraging people to donate voluntarily instead of relying on family members, which will help ensure a steady and safe supply of blood for patients, especially those with severe anemia.

More Anemia research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Ghana
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Legon, Ghana)
Project startJuly 1, 2020
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$613,076
NIH project number5UH3HL151599-05
Project IDNIH-10911165 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in Ghana suffering from severe anemia who may require blood transfusions.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not located in Ghana or those who do not require blood transfusions for their condition may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on transforming the blood donation system in Ghana from family replacement donations to voluntary blood donations. By aligning with WHO recommendations, the project aims to create a sustainable and safe blood supply that can meet the increasing clinical demand for blood, particularly for emergency transfusions. The study will involve community-based approaches and donor care interventions to encourage regular voluntary donations, which are crucial for improving health outcomes in patients suffering from severe anemia. The methodology includes engaging local communities to raise awareness and facilitate the transition to a more reliable blood donation system.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the availability and safety of blood for patients with severe anemia in Ghana.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in improving blood donation rates through community engagement and voluntary donation campaigns, indicating that this approach has potential.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Ghana
    Legon, Ghana
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Dei-Adomakoh, Yvonne — University of Ghana
  • Study coordinator: Dei-Adomakoh, Yvonne

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Stem cell problems in Diamond-Blackfan anemia

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  • Mobile phone-based screening for anemia in young children in western Kenya

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.