The Maldives has introduced nucleic acid testing to detect blood-borne infections at an earlier stage and further strengthen the safety of blood transfusion services.
Nucleic acid testing is an advanced technology used to identify infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C in donated blood significantly earlier than conventional testing methods.
Chief Executive Officer of Malé City Group of Hospitals Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem said the introduction of the service marks an important national milestone in modernising blood services and aligning them with international standards.
In a social media post, CEO Haleem said the initiative supports President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policies and pledges to strengthen the health sector and improve the quality of services provided to the public.
He said the new testing service would help make blood services safer and more modern while ensuring they are delivered in line with international standards.
CEO Haleem also described the initiative as an important national step towards achieving the standards set for blood services and the strategic objectives outlined in the Maldives Thalassaemia Master Plan 2024–2034.