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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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..
"I'm HIV positive and diabetic (as well as have high cholesterol) and some of my meds specify taking them with 'high fat foods' which I have to do twice a day. I've eaten as healthy as possible, but when it comes to high fat foods, I am in a quandary...about what to eat sometimes..."
