Muhimbili National Hospital representative from Safe Blood department, Hamis Kubiga, made the plea over the weekend when some Kibada residents in Dar es Salam donated about 15 units of blood.
The official said: “People’s response towards blood donation is not encouraging, that’s why we urge them to do so for the needy in society.”
The estimated demand of blood at Muhimbili National Hospital is 100 to 120 units per day and to meet that demand at least 60 units need to be donated every day.
“Response to blood donation is fine, but citizens need to be educated about blood donation to avoid distortions. There is a misconception that people have been asked to pay for blood when they needed it,” he stressed.
At the blood donation site, donours are assisted by trained experts who ensure the five procedures are quick and safe.
Experts ask blood donors a few health safety screening questions, check body weight, check blood pressure and test for anaemia. The process of filling the blood bags takes only about eight to ten minutes.
Experts ask blood donors a few health safety screening questions, check body weight, check blood pressure and test for anaemia. The process of filling the blood bags takes only about eight to ten minutes.
Kubiga acknowledged that the other reason for refraining from blood donation was concern about its effect on health, self-perception of being unwell, fear of needles, pain and distrust of the blood as well as lack of awareness, false beliefs and religious traditions.
He, however, said: “Many have misperceptions and fears about the blood donation process, which result in a limited number of voluntary donours.
“Access to safe blood is a key component of effective health care and voluntary donours are the basis of a safe blood supply,” the official said.
Saturday’s blood donation exercise recorded a low turnout, a situation which was associated with lack of knowledge, fear, and the quality of service. These are the common factors influencing people’s decisions on whether to donate blood repeatedly on a voluntary basis.
Kubiga said there were inadequate working resources such as beds, beds for outreach initiatives and permanent vehicles for outreach programmes to withstand rough environments.
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