By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As Nigeria joins other countries to mark the 20th year of blood donation, the World Health Organization, WHO, has urged governments to celebrate, care and encourage all those who have consistently donated blood to save the lives of others.
The WHO, Regional Director, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, made this call in her message to mark the World Blood Donor Day,14 June 2024, with the theme, “20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors!”,
Moeti stressed the WBDD, “It is a day to acknowledge and honor blood donors whose acts help save the lives of others”, adding that”Each donation is a beacon of hope in someone’s life.”
“We express our gratitude to blood, plasma, and platelet donors in the African region and the world for their lifesaving donations.”
“Let us also remember the health of blood donors and the quality of care accorded to them. This is 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 advocated.
The WHO Regional Lead said, “We join the international community to mark the selfless act of donating blood. World Blood Donor Day is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a celebration of altruism, empathy, and social responsibility.”
The WHO stated that blood transfusion plays a critical role 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, particularly benefit from this care.
Furthermore, WHO said in the past decade it has continued to strengthen its collaboration with partners to promote leadership in developing and implementing best practices in blood quality and safety in the region.
Furthermore, it has provided technical and financial support to our Member States in their efforts to improve blood products availability, quality, and safety.
