As Cameroon’s medical sector joined the world in commemorating World Blood Donor Day on June 14, medics made a fervent appeal for increased voluntary blood donations to save lives.
The theme for this year’s World Blood Donor Day was, “Celebrating 20 years of donating blood: thanking blood donors,” celebrating the critical role of blood donors in saving lives.
At the Bamenda Regional Hospital, the largest hospital in the North West Region, Dr. Atabong Fidelis, head of the regional blood service, underscored the importance of voluntary blood donation.
Currently, voluntary donations in the region stand at 43.6 percent, a figure that, while commendable, still falls short of the region’s needs.
“We are in a crisis region, and just in May, we had a bomb blast right beside our hospital. Without the blood bank, we wouldn’t have been able to rescue the lives of those who suffered traumatic injuries,” Dr. Atabong stated.
He emphasized that blood donations are also crucial for maternal health.
“Women who are pregnant often need transfusions due to complications that may occur before, during, or after childbirth. It is only the blood bank that can rescue these patients,” he added.
At the Baptist Hospital in Mboppi, Douala, Dr. Munoh Arreneke made a fervent call for people to donate blood.
“If you’re out there and you’ve not started donating blood, think of sickle cell patients, think of road traffic accidents, and think of women who are giving birth through CS or even vaginal delivery,” she said.
“Anaemia is quite serious in children less than five years old. Sometimes you receive a child of seven months and the blood level is two. And the child is gasping and about to die the moment you give that child blood the child comes back to life. And that may be the only transfusion that child will have for life,” Dr Munoh added.
Voluntary blood donation in Cameroon remains suboptimal, largely due to persistent myths and religious beliefs surrounding the practice.
In 2022, the Ministry of Public Health reported that only 120,000 pints of blood were collected from voluntary donors, family members, and friends of patients.
This figure is significantly below the estimated annual need of 600,000 pints required by both private and government hospitals across the country.
Amidst these challenges, dedicated volunteers like Abdou Raoul and Nkom Larissa are making a difference through regular blood donations.
Raoul, interviewed while donating blood at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, said it’s vital for saving the lives of people with chronic illnesses.
“I came to donate blood today because I feel it’s very important to save patients, especially those with chronic kidney disease. We’ve noticed a rising demand, and we need to give blood to save lives,” he said.
Larissa, another regular donor, emphasised the unique ability of the human body to produce blood.
“If I don’t donate, who else will? I donate blood to save a life, even though I may not know who will receive it. I know it will help someone,” she said.
This year’s World Blood Donor Day paid tribute to these selfless individuals who contributed to saving lives.
Dr. Atabong acknowledged their crucial role, particularly in managing patients with chronic kidney disease and malaria.
“Without these donors, we would face significant challenges in treating our patients,” he noted.
