HC Deb 06 April 1987 vol 114 c107W
Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what restrictions are being placed on blood donors who have visited Africa and for what reasons: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

Potential donors who have visited certain parts of Africa are asked not to donate blood until an appropriate time after their return to the United Kingdom. This precaution is taken to reduce the chance of transmitting certain tropical diseases such as malaria.

As a precaution against the transmission of the AIDS virus potential donors are asked not to give blood if they have visited certain parts of Africa and have also had sex with men or women living there.