World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Region has stressed the need to raise adequate and sustainable funding in a bid to continue to build systems and capacities to increase blood donation rates and separate donated blood into its components that can be stored for long-term use.
The WHO made the statement in a message from WHO Africa Region Director, Dr.Matshidiso Moeti as the global community is set to commemorate World Blood Donor Day Friday.
The Day which is commemorated annually will this year be observed under the theme: “20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors!”
According to Moeti, the 20th anniversary was a time to reflect on achievements, address challenges and envision a future where safe blood transfusion is universally accessible as well as a time to remember the health of blood donors and the quality of care accorded to such people.
She said this was critical in encouraging them and building the commitment and willingness to donate blood regularly.
“I recommend that communities support those who donate blood to encourage others to donate. This has the potential to create an exponential increase in the availability of life-saving donor blood when and where it is needed most,” Moeti said.
She encouraged organizations to support capacity building efforts for efficient National Blood Transfusion Services.
Moeti emphasized on the critical role that blood transfusion plays in the provision of lifesaving health care to vulnerable people, such as mothers during childbirth, under-nourished and malaria-affected children, victims of trauma and accidents and patients suffering from sickle cell and other chronic diseases.
Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS) has postponed this year’s commemoration for the World Blood Donor Day which was slated for Saturday, June 15, 2024 following the death of Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others in a tragic plane crash earlier this week.
In a statement signed by MBTS Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Janet Katonda, MBTS arrived at the decision following the President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s declaration that the nation should observe 21 days of mourning in honour of late Chilima and others killed in the accident.
