The Red Cross in Flanders hopes to recruit 25,000 additional plasma donors in the coming years to make us self-sufficient in plasma supplies. Plasma is a critical component in medications used to treat people with immune disorders and inflammatory diseases.
Demand for plasma-based medication is rising steadily, both here and abroad. Belgium currently produces only about half of the plasma we need. The remainder is imported. To reduce the dependence on imports, Red Cross Flanders hopes to increase the number of plasma doners in our region by 25,000 between now and 2029. Last year alone around 25,000 people in Belgium were treated with plasma-derived medication.
During a visit to a Red Cross Flanders donor centre in the Flemish Brabant city of Leuven, the Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Flemish socialist) said that “Plasma donation saves lives. Thanks to scientific progress, we can treat patients with plasma in an increasingly targeted and effective way. That is why it is essential that we as a society continue to show solidarity and continue to donate.”
The number of medical conditions for which immunoglobulins are used is increasing every year. In 2010, Belgium required 1,125 kg of immunoglobulins. This figure has since climbed to over 3,000 kg. This upward trend is expected to continue.
Self-sufficiency
Currently, Belgium is only about 46% self-sufficient in plasma. The remainder of our plasma needs is imported from countries like the United States.
However, these countries too are experiencing shortages. Mr Vandenbroucke told journalists that "Having a strong home-grown plasma supply will enable us to care for people without any worries. That is why we are committed to a strong, independent and sustainable supply. In difficult times, we must take care of each other."