The National Blood Service Ghana (NBSG), in partnership with the Rotary Club of Accra, celebrated the 24th National Blood Donor Day with an event to honor and reward blood donors across the country. The occasion also served as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of regular blood donation in saving lives.
The Need for Regular Blood Donation
Speaking at the event, the National Blood Service emphasized the critical importance of consistent blood donation, noting that donated blood has a shelf life of just 35 days.
“This means that blood donated today cannot be used after 35 days, which is why we need a constant supply to meet the high demand,” the organizers stressed.
NBSG’s Mission
The National Blood Service reiterated its mission:
“To save the lives of patients by providing safe and adequate blood products and other related blood services through the professionalism of our staff and the generosity of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors.”
Challenges and Strategies
During an interview, Dr. Shirley Owusu-Ofori, CEO of the National Blood Service, highlighted the organization’s achievements and challenges:
- Regional Expansion:
“We are working to establish blood centers in all 16 regions of the country to ensure our presence is felt nationwide,” she stated. - Low Voluntary Donations:
She lamented the low commitment to voluntary blood donation, citing psychological and social factors. “Many people believe they should donate blood only when their relatives need it, which hinders our ability to maintain a steady supply,” she explained.
To address this, the NBSG is embarking on a social media campaign to educate and encourage the youth to donate regularly. “The youth are our donor base for the future,” Dr. Owusu-Ofori noted.
- Performance and Future Plans:
For 2023, the NBSG achieved 99% of its target, a milestone the CEO acknowledged with optimism. To improve donor engagement, the Service is launching an information management system to maintain a robust database and facilitate real-time communication with donors. - Regulatory Reforms:
Dr. Owusu-Ofori emphasized the need for regulatory enforcement to curb challenges in the sector. She revealed that new regulations, expected by the first quarter of 2025, will address issues affecting blood donation and management.
Call to Action
As the first female District Governor for Rotary International, Madame Maame Christian Hagan urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, to make blood donation a lifelong habit.
“Blood donation is harmless, painless, and absolutely safe. In fact, it is beneficial to your health. By donating blood every three months, you can save precious lives,” she said.
The event served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure a steady supply of blood to save lives. Ghanaians were encouraged to support the National Blood Service in its efforts to build a healthier, stronger nation.
By Madjid Diallo | GhanaNewsonline.com.gh