EXIM Bank Tanzania through its “Vein-to-Vein” campaign has organized
a voluntary blood donation campaign that seeks to raise 100 units of
blood as part of the bank’s commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day
that is celebrated worldwide today.
The theme for this World Blood Donor Day Campaign is “blood donation
as a gift that saves lives” and intends to raise awareness of the need
for safe blood and blood products as well as thanking voluntary
unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.
Speaking after the six hour exercise held at the bank’s headquarters
in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the National Blood Transfusion Services’
(NBTS) Mobilisation and Public Education Officer Fatuma Mujungu said
the number of voluntary blood donors nationally remains low as
compared to the country’s actual demand.
Mujungu said a total of 120,000 units were collected last year as
compared to 400,000 units accounting for only 30 percent of the actual
demand.
“The demand for blood is actually bigger than the supply due to fear
and lack of awareness…many people seem to donate blood in cases where
relatives are hospitalized. This needs to change if we are to have a
consistent supply of blood in our health centres,” she said.
She called upon other companies to donate blood voluntarily to save
lives of other people at risk, expectant mothers and children under
five, in particular.
Exim Bank Tanzania Corporate Relations Manager Kinemo Kihomano said
the bank donation drive cements the bank’s commitment to saving lives.
“Transfusion of blood and blood products helps save millions of lives
every year. It can help patients suffering from life-threatening
conditions live longer and with higher quality of life, and supports
complex medical and surgical procedures.
“Exim Bank understands that blood donation has an essential,
life-saving role in maternal and prenatal care. For this reason we
will continue donating blood through our ‘Vein-to-Vein’ campaign
yearly. Last year’s campaign raised 80 units and we expect to raise
more units this year.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), adequate supply of
blood can only be assured through regular donations by voluntary
unpaid blood donors and its goal is to ensure that all countries
obtain all their blood supplies from voluntary unpaid donors by 2020.
Exim Bank Tanzania staff donate blood during the bank’s annual Vein-to-Vein Campaign in a bid to raise 100 units of blood as part of the bank’s commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day that is celebrated worldwide today. Photo by Staff Photographer.
The Exim Bank Tanzania Assistant General Managers Shesgagiri Rao (right) and Kuldip Paliwal (centre) take part in the bank’s annual Vein-to-Vein Campaign that seeks to raise awareness on voluntary blood donation. Photo by Staff Photographer.
The Exim Bank Tanzania Corporate Relations Manager Kinemo Kihomano (centre) briefs reporters on the bank’s annual Vein-to-Vein Campaign that seeks to raise awareness on voluntary blood donation. Photo by Staff Photographer.
A cross section of Exim Bank Tanzania staff pose for a photo shortly before the event. Photo by Staff Photographer.
Exim Bank Tanzania staff donating blood during the bank’s annual Vein-to-Vein Campaign that seeks to raise awareness on voluntary blood donation. Photo by Staff Photographer.
The Exim Bank Tanzania Corporate Relations Manager Kinemo Kihomano (second left) takes a high-blood pressure test during the bank’s annual Vein-to-Vein Campaign that seeks to raise awareness on voluntary blood donation. Photo by Staff Photographer.
Exim Bank Tanzania staff donating blood during the bank’s annual Vein-to-Vein Campaign that seeks to raise awareness on voluntary blood donation. Photo by Staff Photographer.
Exim Bank Tanzania staff donating blood during the bank’s annual Vein-to-Vein Campaign that seeks to raise awareness on voluntary blood donation. Photo by Staff Photographer.
Published: Saturday 15th June, 2013