21 Mar 2017

Ngami wellness committee chairperson, Mr Mmoloki Mabengane has commended the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) for the blood donation initiative held during the Global Youth Day in Maun on March 18.

Mr Mabengane observed that acute blood shortage was not only a concern in Botswana, but the world over hence the church’s effort of mobilising members and the community to donate blood.

He said the church had always been involved in acts of compassion to save lives and bring hope to people.

Mr Mabengane explained that blood must be readily available when needed especially for road accident victims whom without blood may lose lives.

The SDA church in the North West has set aside March 18 for blood donation to commemorate Global Youth Day under the theme, I am the sermon.

Lions Club International offered eye screening and free reading glasses to those with eye defects at the event.

Reverend Dr Kenaope Kenaope said Botswana and the world at large were faced with acute shortage of blood which led to loss of lives.

He said SDA operated several hospitals around the world including the one in Kanye and that  blood shortage was a well-known fact to the church.

“In Sub Saharan Africa in every 1 000 people only five can receive blood transfusion from blood banks due to acute shortage,” he said.

Dr Kenaope said research had shown that countries in Sub-Saharan African collected blood less than what was required during accidents, wars and other situations.

Government, he said, had lobbied for blood donation which seemed to fall on deaf ears therefore SDA was doing its part by encouraging youth, elders and community members to donate blood.

Lions Club past district governor, Lion Frances Palmer said the club which was turning 100 years carried on Helen Keller’s Knights for the blind mission by offering eye screening and free reading glances twice a year.

Ms Palmer said an eye specialist from Gaborone Lions Club came to assist with the exercise which was a compassionate act to those who could not afford medical eye expenses.

She stated that common eye problems included trachoma, river blind and glaucoma. She said about 200 people would benefit from the partnership with the SDA church. ENDS