Kigali - Every year, World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14. This is an opportunity to raise public awareness on the essential contribution of voluntary blood donors to boost national blood transfusion services and save lives. This year's theme, “Giving Blood: An Act of Solidarity. Join the movement and save lives! was heard by Alphonse, a regular blood donor at the National Blood Transfusion Center in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

In his forties and with a graying beard, Alphonse Nkuranga feels like he has a mission. It was through unusual circumstances that he became a blood donor: “It was 22 years ago; I was just a young student curious about my blood type. I did some tests and I learned that I am of the "O -" group, a universal donor whose blood can save all the other groups.”

For him, the findings were significant. “It was very symbolic! I felt a great responsibility towards others. I already placed a lot of value on health and life, but that day, I really realized that my life did not belong only to me.” 

Since that day, Alphonse gives his blood as many times as he is allowed, four times a year. “I don't get anything in exchange. What this brings me is intangible but precious! I play the same role as a first aider after an accident: I save lives, using what is within my reach.”

Alphonse is part of the digital dynamic to rally others to his cause. With each blood donation, he shares the information via his social media accounts and encourages others to do like him. "I've already convinced a lot of people to do it too! It often happens that strangers tag me on their online posts by mentioning that I positively influenced them to donate blood. I've received hundreds of these notifications from all over the country. I'm very proud of it!"

As elsewhere, several myths and false information also circulate around blood donation. Alphonse is aware of this fake news that is being spread to discourage blood donors. "For example, some people say, 'The blood you donate you will never get it back', or 'You'll lose all your weight,' or even 'Your blood doesn't save lives, it's just used for scientific research’. However, his determination remains unwavering: "It will take more to discourage me!" he says, amused. "I do my own research and fakes news don't affect me," he concludes, shrugging his shoulders.

Before leaving the center that day, he carefully notes the date of his next blood donation: "I make sure it is correctly marked in my calendar," he specifics, serenely, before concluding: "This action of offering my blood and thus saving lives soothes my soul. "If I could, I would give more! As long as a few drops of my blood can save a life, as long as I have the capacity to do so, then I will donate my blood without any hesitation" he says, with a big smile.