As the world marks the 2021 blood donor day, youths have been called upon to be at the forefront of activities and initiatives aimed at achieving safe blood supplies through voluntary, non-remunerated blood donations.
World Blood Donor Day, designated in 2005 by World Health Assembly, is celebrated every 14th June to thank blood donors and raise awareness about global need for safe blood and how everyone can contribute.
With the theme, “Give blood and keep the world beating”, this year’s event has special focus on the role of young people in ensuring a safe blood supply for improved healthcare services.
Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala, who acknowledged the importance of availability of safe blood in healthcare services, said among other measures, the State Government introduced “smart drone blood delivery system” to help in speedy conveyance of blood to hard-to-reach areas in the State.
Speaking on the day, Rotarian Jude Akpua, Messrs Chinedu Eze, Michael Anokwute, and Engineer Christian Obikee, who commended existence and contributions of club of voluntary blood donors among students advised youths to visit designated blood donation centres to participate in saving lives.
A Medical doctor at the General Hospital Enugwu-Ukwu, Mr. Uchenna Okeke, said health hazards and death may occur if a patient loses excess blood during child delivery, surgical operations or accidents.
On the benefits of blood donation to the donor, former Manager of a hospital in Abba, Rev. Fr. Christopher Eze, said voluntary blood donation is a charitable deed which attracts God’s blessing, while Medical Laboratory Scientists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Mr. Israel Okorie, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Mr. Jude Nwabueze, said when properly screened, blood transfusion reduces the donor’s risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks among other health benefits.
Correspondent Joseph Egbeocha reports that specific objectives of this year’s world blood donor day include to promote community values of blood donation in enhancing community solidarity and social cohesion.
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