Latest update January 3rd, 2025 1:48 AM
Over 10,000 units of blood needed annually
– Ministry looking to realize 100 per cent voluntary donation by 2020
Approximately 15,000 surgeries are done each year and blood is needed for the successful
Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton
completion of a significant number of these. Added to this about 2,000 pregnant women require blood each year during delivery of Caesarean operations, both at private and public hospitals. There is always a need for blood especially since blood cannot be stored for long periods.
In order to undertake surgical operations Guyana needs between 10,000 and 12,000 units of blood annually.
This state of affairs was yesterday amplified by Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, by way of a message to mark World Blood Donor Day.
Today Guyana will join the International Community to observe World Blood Donor Day under the theme: “Blood Connects Us All”.
Guyana is currently gearing towards 100 per cent voluntary blood donation by 2020. This is according to the Public Health Minister who pointed out that “blood donors, your sterling contribution has saved innocent lives. You are a HERO!”
One unit of blood can be processed into three components. These are red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Each of these three components has the potential of saving a life when used to treat separate conditions.
Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, white blood cells help fight infection and aid in the immune process while platelets help in blood clotting.
The Ministry of Public Health has been collaborating with the private and public sector, Faith-based Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations to raise awareness and conduct blood drives.
And according to Minister Norton, “A big thank you to the companies that have partnered with the National Blood Transfusion Service to support our voluntary blood donation drives. While the National Blood Transfusion Services continues to engage in blood drive activities, other volunteer donors are being encouraged to come forward and donate blood on a regular basis.”
Persons can volunteer their blood by visiting the National Blood Transfusion Service situated in the compound of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the New Amsterdam Hospital, Suddie Hospital, Linden Hospital Complex and the West Demerara Regional Hospital.
Minister Norton stressed that “the Public Health Ministry is appealing to all Guyanese to join in this effort to boost voluntary blood donation.”
Only persons who have successfully undergone the mandatory “mini health checkup” will be allowed to donate blood. The actual blood donation process is painless. “I join with the National Blood Transfusion Service, through the Ministry of Public Health in thanking all our voluntary unpaid donors for saving lives with their valuable contributions,” said Minister Norton.
‘World Blood Donor Day’ was first observed in 2004, which was followed by its designation as an annual global event by the 58th World Health Assembly (Resolution WHA58.13) in 2005. Ever since its implementation, each year, on June 14, Blood Transfusion Sites (popular referred to as Blood Banks) across the world commemorates this day by raising awareness on the importance of blood donation while recognizing the contributions of voluntary unpaid blood donors. According to the World Health Organisation/ Pan America Health Organisation (WHO/PAHO), 108 million blood donations are collected globally; half of these are in high- income countries. Blood donation by one per cent of the population can meet a nation’s most basic requirement for blood.
Access to safe blood is fundamental in the Health Sector; hence it is important to note that an adequate supply of safe blood and blood products can only be assured through regular voluntary donations. This type of donation, according to Minister Norton, is the safest group of donors as the prevalence of blood-borne infections is lowest among this group.
Blood Transfusion has played an essential role not only in maternal and prenatal care, complex medical and surgical procedures, but has helped patients suffering from life threatening conditions live longer and a higher quality of life.
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