Press Interpreter

05/31/05 -- The Canadian Red Cross has admitted that they were at fault in the distribution of contaminated blood supplies. These supplies have led to the infection of thousands of Canadians with the HIV virus, which in turn causes AIDS and Hepatitis C. More than 3,000 people have died during the 1980’s due to the contaminated blood supplies. This exposure to contaminated blood is considered one of Canada’s worst health catastrophes ever. After years of legal wrangling, this admission from the Canadian Red Cross comes as part of a plea bargain made with representatives of the prosecution to avoid charges of criminal negligence.

The head of the Canadian Red Cross, Dr. Pier Duplessis, recently apologized to the victims and their families for the first time. In a video recording shown in court, Dr. Pier Duplessis admitted the responsibility of the Canadian Red Cross in the distribution of detrimental health products to those who depend upon charitable organizations for the supplying of their health needs, such as blood transfusions.

Blood transfusions, performed with the contaminated blood, infected more than 1,000 people with the HIV virus and more than 20,000 with Hepatitis C. Most of the victims were already suffering from lack of red blood cells. The result of a general investigation of the Canadian Red Cross, which has been collecting and distributing blood for decades, has led to its termination of this type of work. A government agency has since been contracted.

As a result of the scandal, numerous lawsuits have been filed against the Canadian Red Cross. These lawsuits came immediately after the admission from the Canadian Red Cross concerning its responsibility in distributing contaminated blood. The Red Cross is now facing reparation costs that may exceed 5,000 dollars. The Canadian Red Cross will also donate more than one million dollars towards scientific research as well as offer research grants.

[From BBC Arabic]

--Translated by Jeremy Palmer

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/arabic/sci_tech/newsid_4596000/4596405.stm