When the available blood supply mismatches the needs of the patient.

Our data highlight the importance of matching the donor population to the demographics of the patient population. In addition, it underlines the need to recruit donors of African origin and to focus on the upcoming challenges, such as malaria semi-immunity and a significantly higher rate of infectious disease in this population. It is also recommended to apply extended genetic typing to detect rare blood types, and (cryo)storage of rare blood in national and international rare blood banks. Co-operation with regional blood banks should also be encouraged.