04 Jun 2019

Many people are still not keen to donate blood despite numerous sensitisation efforts by government through Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Officiating at the welcoming ceremony of Pledge 25 cycling team at Nata on June 3, Member of Parliament for Nata/Gweta Mr Polson Majaga said no one knew the day they would be in a state that required blood transfusion.

He said over the years there were calls for help from the ministry of health regarding acute shortage of blood in health facilities.

He highlighted that more often during the holidays, during the times where there are many accidents that result in victims in need of blood transfusion, calls for help with blood donations were raised, though few responded.

He said it was imperative that Batswana took note of these calls and act on them while there was still time and help save many lives that were usually lost because of shortage of blood in health facilities.

Mr Majaga urged Batswana to disregard myths associated with blood transfusion as often people believed that when one donated blood, they would in their life time experience shortage of blood in their bodies to the extent that they would need transfusion themselves.

He implored them to enquire and do the right things for themselves and other Batswana.

Further, he explained that giving blood had some health benefits,  citing reduction of risks associated with heart diseases.

He said according to Harvard research, 88 per cent of blood donors were less likely to suffer a heart attack. He said this was due to reduced iron in the body, adding that though iron was good, an access of it could damage the arteries, but by donating blood, a person is giving up 250 milligrams of iron.

At the same time, he stated that for those who wanted to keep in shape, it was advisable that they donate blood, hence removing almost 480 milligrams of blood, which translates to almost half a kilogram per day. He noted that an individual between the ages of 18 and 65, being physically fit and not being under any medication or chronic disease could donate.

Giving an overview, an official from National Blood Transfusion Services Ms Tumelo Ramalebang said the office was mandated to collect 45 000 units of blood annually, but over the years it had failed to reach the target.

She said last year the office managed to collect 26 000, which is still low considering the demand.

She said they sensitised communities nationally, hence they had Pledge25 mission by youth, who had embarked on a journey to help spread the message on blood donation.

She said this year Blood Donor Day would  be commemorated on June 14 in Selebi Phikwe, and urged Batswana to participate and donate blood on the day. ENDS