Message of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti
The critical importance of unlimited access to safe blood and blood products for women bleeding during or after giving birth, children with low blood, and patients who have suffered severe injuries cannot be understated.
Today, as we celebrate the World Blood Donor Day, we honour and appreciate the sacrifices of the millions (6.1million, 2018) of people across Africa who selflessly donate their blood to save the lives of others.
Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person, that is, the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood saves lives. It is specifically for this reason that we must celebrate and thank people who donate their blood to save others.
Despite the sacrifices of many who donate their blood, countries in the African Region continue to face severe shortages of blood and blood products, resulting, every year, in many avoidable deaths of women, children and people with injuries. Our demand for blood simply greatly outstrips the supply.
Collection of blood by our countries remains very low. Currently African countries are able to collect only 6 units of blood for every 1000 people, which is way below the 33 units of blood per 1000 people collected in developed countries.
Financial barrier to accessing safe blood remains a great concern in the African Region. On average, patients pay USD 42 out of their pockets to access safe blood, which adds great strain on their livelihoods and drives many deeper into poverty.
The campaign slogan for this year: “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often” therefore couldn’t have been more appropriate. Every one of us has a critical role to play by regularly donating blood to save another human being, and by mobilizing others to do the same.
Countries must address the persistent challenges in the availability of safe blood and blood products. Through collective efforts, countries must raise adequate and sustainable funding and increase blood donation rates. Countries should also continue to build systems and capacities to separate donated blood into its components that can be stored for long term use.
On our part as the WHO Regional Office for Africa, we will continue working with partners to leverage and mobilize expertise, both human and technological, to ensure improved access to blood and products.
Once again, on this World Blood Donor Day, I celebrate and thank individuals who donate blood and encourage all of us to join efforts to ensure access to safe blood for all in need. While doing so, let us remember the health of blood donors as the quality of care accorded to them is critical factor in building the commitment and a willingness of people to donate blood regularly.
Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Becoming a blood donor will help ease the pressure on health systems and save lives. Let us donate our blood to save others.
Learn more:
Q&A: Blood products: Blood donation
Fact sheet: Blood safety and availability
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2022/who-can-give-blood
WHO African Region status report on blood availability, safety and quality
Launch of the International Coalition for Safe Plasma Proteins (ICSPP)