Batswana not keen to donate blood

Only one percent of the national population donates blood, but research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that about 80 percent of people worldwide will need blood at some point in their life.

There are currently only 8000 regular donors countrywide, and only 22, 000 units of blood collected, although about 40, 000 units are needed to fulfill the demand and need nationally. Donated blood is used in transfusion on road accident victims, mothers who lose blood during childbirth, cancer patients and during operations.

Tumelo Ramalebang of the National Blood Bank says they are keen to reach out to different young people across the country. “There is no incentive for donating blood except the good feeling of knowing that you are a person of humility who has given life to another,” he said

Voluntary unpaid donors are considered the safest group of blood donors as the prevalence of blood borne diseases is often lower amongst them. Furthermore, donating blood is one of the most selfless acts that one can do, as it gives another person a new lease of life. The World Blood Donor Day commemorations are held on June 14, annually. This year, the day was celebrated under the theme, ‘Blood Connects Us All.’ The event was held at Maharaj Conference Centre in Gaborone to bring together donors and recipients, as well as appreciate donors.

Permanent Secretary in the Presidency, Carter Morupisi applauded all the young donors who continue to give their blood selflessly. The National Blood Bank has a higher demand for Blood type O. Other blood types that can be donated are A, B and AB. To donate blood, one should be between the ages of 16 and 60 and weigh at least 50 kg. Every blood is tested for HIV, Hepatitis and Syphilis before it is donated.

The donors should not be on drugs or suffering from any chronic condition/disease. A male blood donor can donate blood four times a year, while a woman can donate three times annually.