In a message marking World Blood Donor Day, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, underscored the critical role of blood transfusion in lifesaving healthcare.
Dr Moeti emphasised the importance of blood for vulnerable populations, including mothers in childbirth, malnourished children, accident victims, and those battling chronic illnesses like sickle cell disease.
“World Blood Donor Day is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a celebration of altruism, empathy, and social responsibility,” she declared.
The global campaign theme, “20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors!”, resonates deeply, acknowledging two decades of selfless contributions by blood donors worldwide.
Dr Moeti expressed profound gratitude to blood, plasma, and platelet donors in Africa and around the globe, whose generosity has saved countless lives.
Progress, but challenges remain
Dr Moeti pointed to significant progress in Africa between 2015 and 2022, with more countries adopting national blood policies and increased blood collection per capita.
However, challenges persist.
“African nations still fall short of the WHO’s recommended blood collection target,” she noted, emphasizing the need for more voluntary donors.
Dr Moeti urged a collective response to these challenges, including securing sustainable funding and strengthening blood donation infrastructure.
She called on member states to uphold established blood regulatory systems and establish national blood donation drives.
Dr Moeti encouraged donor organizations to support capacity-building initiatives for national blood transfusion services and urged communities to celebrate and support blood donors.
“This can create an exponential increase in the availability of life-saving blood,” she emphasized.
Looking forward: Universal access
Every year on 14 June, countries around the world celebrate WBDD. The event, established in 2004, aims to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood.
Dr Moeti reflected on the progress made and the work that still needs to be done. “This 20th anniversary is fitting to reflect on our achievements, address our challenges, and envision a future where safe blood transfusion is universally accessible,” she stated.
She concluded by highlighting the importance of ensuring the health and quality care of blood donors. “This is critical in encouraging them and building the commitment and willingness to donate blood regularly,” she said.