An inception meeting was recently held between Blood Safety Program team, and officials from the Ministry of Health (MoH) to strengthen blood safety systems and improve voluntary blood donation.
The meeting brought together key health stakeholders, who outlined priority interventions designed to enhance the availability of safe blood in health facilities, and increase public participation in donation activities.
From the discussions, the program will now roll out intensive blood donation awareness campaigns in targeted communities.
These campaigns will focus on educating citizens about the importance of “voluntary blood donation,” and its role in saving lives, especially in emergency and clinical cares.
The initiative will also focus on mobilizing eligible donors to participate in regular donation exercises, with the aim to address persistent shortages in the national blood supply system.
In addition, the program includes the collection of dried blood samples, and donor cards in line with established national blood safety protocols, ensuring proper screening, documentation and safety compliance.
Stakeholders emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration among health workers, community leaders, and partners to ensure effective implementation of the program.
The engagement marks a significant step to improve safe blood transfusion services, and promote a culture of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation.
