The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in Afghanistan: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To characterize hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology and inform public health research, policy, and programming priorities in Afghanistan.

Methods: Records of HCV incidence and prevalence were reviewed systematically and synthesized following PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses were implemented using a DerSimonian-Laird random effects model with inverse variance weighting to estimate HCV prevalence among various at risk populations.

The status of blood safety in ECO member states.

Background: Access to the information concerning blood safety is essential for managing problems and overcoming the challenges that are faced in any given region. Information on the availability and safety of blood in countries of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) is largely lacking. To address this problem, the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organisation, in collaboration with other ECO member states, initiated a research project in 2009 to collect, analyse and compare statistics on blood safety in the region.

Evaluating the impact a proposed family planning model would have on maternal and infant mortality in Afghanistan.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the potential impact a proposed family planning model would have on reducing maternal and infant mortality in Afghanistan.

Background: Afghanistan has a high total fertility rate, high infant mortality rate, and high maternal mortality rate. Afghanistan also has tremendous socio-cultural barriers to and misconceptions about family planning services.

Blood supply safety in Afghanistan: a national assessment of high-volume facilities.

Background: Little information is available regarding blood supply safety in Afghanistan. The purpose of this study was to assess blood safety through serologic and observational measures in Afghanistan.

Study Design And Methods: This cross-sectional assessment included the 40 highest-volume facilities collecting and transfusing blood nationally identified in a previous survey.

A national mapping assessment of blood collection and transfusion service facilities in Afghanistan.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess functionality and resources of facilities providing blood collection and transfusion services in Afghanistan.

Study Design And Methods: This national cross-sectional assessment included facilities collecting or transfusing blood identified through official data sources and private key informants. At each facility, study representatives completed a standardized instrument assessing presence of records logbook, electricity, refrigeration, and required transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI; human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C) test kits.

Status of blood banking and the blood supply in Afghanistan.

Background: As a result of more than 20 years of war in Afghanistan, its blood supply system has been damaged. We carried out an assessment of that blood supply system to determine the type and extent of assistance needed to increase blood availability and safety.

Study Design And Methods: An assessment tool was developed, daily activities in Afghanistan were observed, and key personnel were interviewed.