January 24, 2008

Number of Positive Blood Donors on the Rise in Japan

For the first time since Japan began screening blood donations in 1986, over 100 donors have tested HIV positive, the Associated Press (AP) reports (news.aol.com, 1/22).

In a report released on January 21 by the Japanese Red Cross, 102 blood donors tested HIV positive in 2007, up 15 percent from the previous year. At the same time, overall blood donations hit an all-time low of just under 5 million.

According to the article, officials from Japan’s health ministry believe this is an indication that people are donating blood with the sole intention of getting tested. “To prevent the possibility of the virus spreading, the ministry is urging the public to refrain from blood donations for such purposes,” one official told the AP. Since the tests were performed solely to prevent contamination of the blood supply, the donors will not be informed of their status.

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marc davis, Japan, 2008-10-10 08:59:07
Japan still a very conservative society where HIV still been treated as a taboo after almost 2 decades since landed in this island. Despite the fact of Japan been one those most richest country in this planet the government does very little in terms of public awareness to combat the HIV crisis. In contrast such country like Brazil considered as third world economy has prove that is not the economic situation of the country that can face the problem , instead is the right attitude of our leaders.

Dawn, Simi, CA, 2008-01-30 01:14:08
I think Japan still should inform donors if they are HIV+ or AIDS so they dont pass it on in other ways. I agree they need to find a way to not have donations be the way to be tested but come on..why not help stop the spread of the disease no matter what..