O+, AB-... and the Countdown

O+, AB-... and the Countdown
The Sunday Hebdo
Sun 23/11/2025 - 17:30

The aging donor population and the shortage of rare blood groups: Mauritius is struggling to maintain its blood reserves amid an ever-increasing demand.

The countdown is constant. Every day, the Mauritian Blood Bank is juggling a complex equation: an aging population, dwindling regular donors, and a growing medical demand. In this fragile balance, the issue of rare blood groups adds extra pressure. The National Blood Transfusion Service is working tirelessly to maintain sufficient stocks of this vital liquid, crucial for the survival of numerous patients.

Behind every transfusion lies a complex mechanism, that of blood groups. A mistake can be fatal. "Blood groups are classified according to the molecules present on the surface of red blood cells. The ABO and Rh systems are the most critical for transfusion safety," explains Dr. Janaki Sonoo, director of the National Blood Transfusion Service.

The ABO system includes four groups (A, B, AB, and O), while the Rh system is defined by the presence (Rh positive) or absence (Rh negative) of the D molecule. Their combination results in eight common blood groups.

In Mauritius, as in many parts of the world, the O+ group is predominant, while AB- is considered rare. A key figure summarizes the challenge: "Only 4% of the Mauritian population is Rh negative, complicating the management of stocks for these specific groups," emphasizes Dr. Sonoo. "Blood compatibilities determine who can donate to whom. The O- group can donate to all groups, hence its title of universal donor," she adds. Conversely, AB+ can receive from all groups, making it a universal recipient. "These compatibilities are essential for ensuring the safety of transfusions and addressing medical emergencies," highlights the blood bank director.