12 Sep 2024

Residents of Maun have been urged to donate blood in a bid to save lives.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of Men and Boys Pitso n Maun recently, Ms Melody Phillies, a blood donation officer, highlighted the critical shortage of blood at the local blood bank.

She therefore urged the community to donate blood regularly and in large numbers.

“Our goal is to collect 21 pints of usable blood daily, 105 pints weekly, and 420 pints monthly,” she stated. “Unfortunately, we have not been able to meet these targets due to a reluctance among the populace to donate.”

It is imperative that healthy individuals donate blood to minimise disruptions to the blood supply and ensure blood is available for patients in need, she said.

Emphasizing the dual benefits of blood donation, Ms Phillies noted that while the recipients gained life-saving assistance, donors also improve their own physical health through mandatory health screenings.

These screenings, she said provided valuable insights into the donor’s health, potentially identifying underlying medical conditions or risk factors for diseases, and allow for timely referrals for medical assistance.

Ms Phillies clarified that the blood is thoroughly tested before being administered to patients, and reminded the public that individuals receiving medical treatment were not eligible to donate.

She explained the donation parameters, stating that healthy women might donate up to three times a year, while men could donate four times. Eligible donors , she said must be aged 16 and above and weigh between 50 kg and 120 kg.

In her appeal, she encouraged civil societies, faith-based organisations, and social clubs to collaborate with health officials to raise awareness about the importance of regular blood donations.

The community has welcomed the initiative, suggesting that health officials extend their outreach programmes to areas where people congregate and rural regions to attract more donors.

Dr George Banda, deputy chairperson of the Maun Ministers Fraternal, echoed the call for increased donations.

 “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” he stated, pledging to provide blood donation officials a platform during the upcoming closing ceremony of the Month of Prayer on September 22 at the main kgotla. ENDS