World Blood Donor Day

 By Tuduetso Kelapile

Millions of people around the world owe their lives to individuals they will never meet, people who donate their blood to help others. World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on June 14 every year, provides the Ministry Of Health a unique opportunity to thank these very special people.

 This year’s event which was commemorated at Gaborone Main Mall on Tuesday was graced by the Minister of Health, Reverend John Seakgosing who applauded the regular donors saying they are the foundation of sustainable national blood supplies that are sufficient to meet the needs of all patients requiring transfusion. The Minister said the day, which was commemorated under the theme “New Blood for the World” focuses on the life saving gift of voluntary non-remunerated donors whose donations are given purely for altruistic reasons.

“The aim of World Blood Donor day is to raise global awareness of the need for safe and adequate blood and blood products for transfusion and of the critical contribution voluntary unpaid blood donors make to the health system. It is an opportunity to celebrate those who already donate blood in response to the world-wide increase in demand for voluntary non-remunerated blood donors”, he said.

The Minister reiterated that the theme; “New Blood for the World” places a focus on young donors. He continued that the need for blood is increasing in all parts of the world and young people can make an important contribution by donating blood and by recruiting other young people to become blood donors.

“Initiatives such as young ambassadors, pledge 25 clubs, media campaigns towards young people and other youth oriented activities will help bring “new blood to the world” ensuring a safe blood supply” he said.

Minister Seakgosing pointed out that recruiting and retaining young donors not only improves the long term safety and sufficiency of a country’s blood supply but also promotes safe and healthy lifestyles.

The Minister added that through the out-of-school and in-school pledge, 25 clubs are playing an active role in taking responsibility and the lead in the matters of blood donation and positive living. These are clubs where members pledge to donate blood 25 times in their lifetime. The clubs provide youth with an opportunity to educate and encourage each other to avoid risky behaviours, thus promoting the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

 “sixty percent of blood collected in Botswana comes from secondary school students”

He pointed out that sixty percent (60%) of blood collected in Botswana comes from secondary school students, and thus  encouraged more of the youth to become regular blood donors as by giving blood they commence their role in human development and extend their community involvement.  The remaining 40% is donated by adults whose exemplary dedication has provided both the motivation among the youth as well as the much-needed blood.

“With young people playing such a valuable role in helping to secure a safe and adequate blood supply, this day provides an opportunity to recognise and thank them”, he said.

Seakgosing stressed the importance of retaining a sufficient number of regular voluntary non-remunerated blood donors and therefore appealed to all existing and potential donors to give blood regularly to meet the country’s requirements for blood supplies.

He  also expressed concern that in Botswana people still die due to an inadequate supply of blood and blood products saying this has impact on women as a consequence of pregnancy related complications and children due to malnutrition and severe anaemia. He reiterated that there is a need for adequate supply of safe blood and blood products.