GAZA, February 13, 2007, (WAFA)- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has funded the delivery of 3,500 blood bags to be distributed to seven hospitals in Gaza.

In its press release issued Tuesday, USAID said its assistance came in response to a dangerous shortage of specialized plastic bags used to collect and store blood for transfusions.

The blood bags were delivered through CARE International on February 6, it said.

It added that this will increase the capacity of these hospitals to store blood needed for transfusions and for use in surgeries and other medical procedures.

The $14,642 procurement of blood bags is part of USAID's Emergency Medical Assistance Program that responds to urgent humanitarian needs in the West Bank and Gaza.

S.A.S. (12:20 P) (10:20 GMT)