January 2025 – The World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) proudly announces the 100th signing of the Santa Cruz Declaration (SCD), a landmark achievement in advancing Patient Blood Management (PBM) worldwide. This milestone highlights the growing recognition of PBM’s role in improving patient care, optimising resources, and reducing reliance on blood transfusions.
The Santa Cruz Declaration emerged from the 2022 CLASA Congress in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where PBM leaders Fredy Ariza, Axel Hofmann, and Angel Augusto Perez Calatayud delivered a powerful call to action. They emphasised the World Health Organization’s (WHO) urgent appeal to address anaemia—a condition affecting five to six times more patients than other blood-related disorders—and the risks of over-reliance on blood transfusions.
Inspired by this message, WFSA President Wayne Morris championed the SCD as a global pledge to transform perioperative care through PBM principles. The WFSA PBM Working Group was formed, launching initiatives such as educational courses, webinars, and publications to promote PBM worldwide.
The 100th signature represents a global consensus, with commitments from 86 WFSA Member Societies, five Regional Sections, and nine international organisations. This achievement reflects a collective dedication to improving surgical outcomes and resource use through evidence-based PBM strategies.
Fredy Ariza of the WFSA PBM Working Group said: “The 100th signature is a testament to the power of collective action. Let this inspire us to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and remain committed to patient-centred care.”
Image: Signing the Santa Cruz Declaration on behalf of WFSA: President Daniela Filipescu (centre), President-Elect Carolina Haylock-Loor (right) and Axel Hoffman, Global PBM leader (left)
For more information: https://wfsahq.org/news/wfsa-celebrates-the-100th-signing-of-the-santa-cruz-declaration/