05 Jul 2022

 Batswana men are quashing the myth that they are squeamish about needles as a large number of them are frequent blood donors.

In a recent interview with BOPA, Botswana National Blood Transfusion Services  senior nursing officer, Mr Dick Rakereng said there were more male blood donors than women.

He said it was encouraging that of the about 20 donors received a day, 15 or more would be men.

“It is applaudable and we would like to encourage more men to keep on donating blood to save lives,” he said.

Mr Rakereng said men could give blood up to four times a year compared to three times for women.Giving blood was not only beneficial to the recipient but also to the donor, he explained adding that regular donors embraced healthier lifestyle choices.

He said they also got screened for some diseases that they could not have gone to the hospital for.

“You are checked to make sure that you are fit for the procedure.  The exam might turn up a condition that needs medical attention such as high blood pressure, Hepatitis B, C and syphilis,” said Mr Rakereng.

He said blood shortage continued to be a challenge in Botswana with the country unable to collect even half of the needed 45 000 units.

 The shortage was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic during which an alarming drop in donations was experienced.

Mr Rakereng said from January to May, only 9 576 units were collected compared to 10 520 during the same period last year.

He emphasised that all blood types were needed to help people such as those injured in accidents, undergoing cancer treatment and battling blood diseases.

Mr Rakereng encouraged people to do their part ‘and come forth to donate’ stressing that without blood there was no life.

“One blood donation could save up to three lives,” he said adding that giving blood was a way of engaging in the immediate community and helping others. ENDS