Health Minister appeals to community to donate blood

Addis Ababa, June 14, 2020 (FBC) –Marking World Blood Donor Day, Minister of Health Dr Lia Tadesse appealed to the community to donate blood.

Ethiopia celebrated the day for the 17th time under the theme ‘Safe Blood Saves Lives’ with the slogan ‘Give blood and make the world a healthier place.’

On her post on Twitter, Dr Lia said “taking all necessary precautions against COVID-19, I ask you to give blood regularly to help patients who need it during this pandemic period as well.”

The Minister also extended her thanks to voluntary blood donors and all professionals for saving lives.

“On World Blood Donor Day 2020, I want to thank our voluntary blood donors who heeded our call and donated blood to ensure sustained blood supply and all professionals working in blood banks across the country during this pandemic.”

Dr Yaregal Bante, Director General of National Blood Bank Service, said maintaining safe and sufficient blood supply is one of the most challenging activities in this COVID-19 period.

The cancellation of blood donation programs because of measures introduced to contain the spread of the virus has resulted in severe blood shortage at a global level, he said.

There was a decline in number of blood donors in Ethiopia following the outbreak of the virus, he said, adding following the joint efforts made by blood banks across the nation, Ministry of Health and regional health bureaus, the problem had been addressed shortly.

According to  Dr Yaregal, all blood banks across the country currently have more than 16,000 units of blood, which is sufficient to meet needs only for the next five weeks. Of the total, 6,000 units are available in Addis Ababa.

The Director General finally urged the community to continue donation to maintain sufficient supply of blood for those in need.

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