In response to the escalating threat of COVID-19 antimicrobial resistance, we emphasize the potential of multi-drug combinations to counteract this trend. We examine the controversy surrounding the use of ivermectin, antibiotics, and zinc, and conclude that their repurposing in COVID-19 therapies, in principle, may enhance treatment outcomes.

Introduction: Blood transfusion saves lives and improves quality of life for some patients, but it is not without risks, particularly infectious risks, and can be the source of transmission of many pathogens to the recipient. In Mali, blood transfusion faces difficulties due to a shortage of blood donors and limited resources. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of HIV and Hepatitis Band C viruses among blood donors at the Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine (CNTS) in Bamako.

Methodology: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted at the CNTS in Bamako between January and June 2022. 382 blood donations were screened for HIV antibody, HCV antibody and HBsAg using the chemiluminescence (Architect) technique. Data were entered and analyzed using Excel version 2007 and SPSS 20.0. The ethical rules governing research on human subjects in force in the Republic of Mali were respected.

Results: Of the 382 blood donations tested for serological markers, the prevalence of serological markers for HIV was 1.30% (5/382), for hepatitis B and C viruses 13.08% (50/382) and 1.83% (7/382) respectively. Among these positive donations, we observed cases of HIVHBV co-infection at 0.52% (2/382) and HIV-HCV at 0.26% (1/382).

Conclusion: The quality of transfusion care depends on the quality of labile blood products. This study shows that the positivity rate of serological markers in blood donations at the CNTS in Bamako is high. It would be worthwhile stepping up awareness-raising activities to recruit and retain blood donors, who are the key to improved transfusion safety