experts should decide on blood donation

Sapa

February 17, 2006: A gay and lesbian body on Friday said it demanded a panel of experts to be convened within a month to review available scientific evidence on their exclusion from donating blood.

The panel should include epidemiologists, statisticians and attorneys, said Fikile Vilakazi of the Joint Working Group.

"This panel needs to review available scientific evidence, on the basis of which more informed decisions regarding the exclusion of (men having sex with other men) can be made.

"Should there be insufficient evidence, terms of reference should be developed for further research into areas of concern.

"An outline for the interpretation of results should be drawn up," he said in a statement.

The JWG, the SA National Blood Service (SANBS) and the Aids Law Project should nominate potential experts to take part in the research, Vilakazi said.

"This process will be driven by the SANBS, in collaboration with participating stakeholders," she said.

On Friday, the body once again expressed concern at men who have sex with other men being excluded from donating blood.

"The issue of blood donation is a concern for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) sector due to the exclusion of men having sex with men from donating blood.

"The SANBS current policy excludes this group," Vilakazi said.

Vilakazi's statement was issued after the JWG N a collaboration of registered non-profit organisations, and their partners, providing services to LGBT people in South Africa N met the Aids Law Project and officials from the SANBS on Thursday.