16 Jun 2020

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Lemogang Kwape, says there has been a drastic decline in blood collection during the first quarter of 2020. 

Addressing the nation on World Blood Donor Day recently, Dr Kwape said the country’s blood bank recorded 855 collections against a target of 2679 in May 2020, while it recorded 2039 in May 2019. 

He said the country was aiming for an annual blood collection target of 45 000 units by the year 2023. 

Dr Kwape said the shortfall in blood collection was currently addressed through targeted campaigns and directed donation, where family members or friends were encouraged to donate blood for their kith and kin. 

Moreover, he called upon all government and non-government agencies, policymakers and health workers to provide adequate resources and systems to increase the collection of blood from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors. 

“Like several health days’ commemorations that have preceded World Blood Donor Day, the country is yet again unable to engage in the traditional celebratory commemorations due to the current COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. 

Dr Kwape, who is also Member of Parliament for Kanye South, said that notwithstanding, there has never been a greater necessity than now, to demonstrate the need for universal access to safe blood transfusion. 

He assured the public that in his ministry’s endeavour to maximise blood collection, compliance to quality standards remained a priority, which includes adherence to measures that prevent the spread of COVID-19 as provided in the public health regulations like social distancing, maintenance of hand hygiene and consistent use of face masks. 

The day was commemorated under the theme: Safe blood saves lives: Give blood and make the world a healthier place. Ends