Younger persons urged to donate blood to reap major health benefits

Jun 09, 2021 Peeping Tom

World Blood donor day…

Younger persons are encouraged to donate blood to reap health benefits.

Kaieteur News – Younger people are being encouraged to donate blood since it helps reduce their risk of hypertension, cholesterol and other health complications when they get older says, Dr. Pedro Lewis, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS).Dr. Lewis was at the time speaking on the importance of voluntary blood collection during a live-aired show of the “Your Health Matters” programme on Kaieteur Radio yesterday. In this regard, the NBTS Director noted, that the Blood Bank has been lobbying for donors between the ages of 18 – 25 years.

Director of NBTS, Dr. Pedro Lewis

“The more blood you get out of them by the time they reach 65, the less they have to worry about when they are older; it significantly reduces their risk of damage to liver and pancreas,” Dr. Lewis said.
In addition, the Blood Bank Director says, giving blood regularly can also help improve cardiovascular health and reduce obesity. Further, Dr. Lewis told Kaieteur Radio that for the observance of World Blood Donor Day 2021, the NBTS will be placing emphasis on Voluntary Blood Collection. World Blood Donor Day is observed on June 14, annually.
During the interview, Dr. Lewis revealed that a list of activities have been planned to show appreciation and recognition to persons and institutions for their assistance to the Blood Bank, and emergency patients needing blood throughout the years.
“We have a list of persons and entities that regularly help to host and facilitate these much needed blood drives, and so we want them to know that their contribution has been noted and appreciated,” he said.
Dr. Lewis also stressed on raising awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion during the observance. The NBTS Director noted that safe blood and blood products and their transfusion are a critical aspect of care of the public health system.
“They save thousands of lives and improve the health and quality of life of many patients every day. The need for blood is universal, but access to blood for all those who need it is not. The day also provides an opportunity to call to action, governments and other stakeholders to provide adequate resources, and put into place systems and infrastructures to increase the collection of blood from voluntary blood donors,” Dr. Lewis emphasized.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Blood Donor Day 2021 will be observed under the slogan “Give blood and keep the world beating.”
The message highlights the essential contribution blood donors make to keeping the world pulsating by saving lives and improving others’ health. It reinforces the global call for more people all over the world to donate blood regularly and contribute to better health.
This year, the WHO is stressing on ensuring that everyone who needs safe blood has access to it, since all countries need voluntary, unpaid donors who give blood regularly. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the global health body noted that despite limited mobility and other challenges, blood donors in many countries have continued to donate blood and plasma to patients who need transfusion.
“This extraordinary effort during a time of unprecedented crisis highlights the crucial role of well-organised, committed voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors in ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply during normal and emergency times,” WHO said in a message ahead of World Blood Donor Day.