By Ralph Charles Chinomba & Nephthali Kalumbi
Mangochi, January 7, Mana: Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS) for the Eastern Region branch has embarked on a four-day blood collection campaign in Mangochi District to boost its blood banks and ensure the availability of safe and adequate blood in all district hospital facilities in the regions.
The exercise, which started last Monday, is scheduled to be conducted in different places from Mangochi Township, Monkey-bay, Chamtulo and Madelco.
Speaking during an interview, Assistant Public Relations Officer for Eastern Region MBTS, McLoyd Kudzingo, appealed to the public and all eligible blood donors to come in large numbers and participate in donating blood to reach the demand.
“We have high expectations that after four days as planned, our team will manage to reach the target and be able to collect 400 units from all four centers collectively,” said kudzingo.
He further said that the exercise will also be conducted in the schools and other trading centres to maximize the opportunities of reaching the demand for blood that hospitals have.
A 24th time blood donor, Bright Dillie described the activity as lifesaving, and he encouraged those with misconceptions about blood donation to cast away those myths as the process of blood donation is not dangerous.
“It has been my wish to save someone’s life through blood donation and every time I take part in blood donation my spirit is lifted since I get the relief that someone’s life has been saved with my blood,” said Dillie.
Speaking in a separate interview, health expert, Maziko Matemba encouraged Malawians to develop a habit of donating blood regularly since blood plays a crucial role in the human body.
