Media Practitioners Sensitised on Blood Donation

The Gambia Red Cross Society in collaboration with the Blood Bank of Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital on Friday organised a one day sensitisation for media practitioners on the importance of blood donations and the launching of "Club 25" held at RVTH ground in Banjul.

Speaking at the ceremony, the head of the National Laboratory, Professor Patrick Addy, revealed that blood products are things we need here in The Gambia but could not be achieved owing to lack of equipment and ingredients.

According to Prof. Addy, surgery needs the infusion of blood or the use of blood saying that, "blood is very vital in any human life".

He further stated that blood loss in the body causes some physiological dysfunctioning. He therefore urged people to donate blood in order to save more lives.

For his part, Dr. Tamsir Mbowe, Chief Medical Director, who is also the Director General, Presidential treatment program, dilated on the vision of the Gambia's Health Sector focusing on Vision 2020, which emphasises the attainment of quality Health care for all Gambians. This, he added can only be attained if blood is made available for effective management of patients.

According to the Chief Medical Director, the program embarked by the Red Cross Society will play an important role in the attainment of the health goals of the country, noting that blood is an important component of the human system without which the human system cannot function.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Gambia Red Cross Society, Mr Momodou Jahateh, chairman Banjul Red Cross Branch, observed that blood donations, and blood banking is the primary intention of the GRCS in saving human life in critical health conditions. He said the GRCS would lead this process of mobilizing her volunteers and people from other walks of life.

Mr Jahateh revealed that Red Cross youths have donated 76 pints, 98 pints and 108 pints of blood during the last Bantaba and VCT for over 198 volunteers stressing that this humanitarian initiative is in line with the 'Club 25' Global recruitment of Blood donor by the Red Cross movement.

According to Mr Jahateh "Club 25" is a youth concept, promoting the values of saving lives by giving blood. He said this prepares volunteers to save their blood in blood banks free of charge inorder to rescue a person in difficult blood conditions.

Other speakers include Dr. Solonki, Surgical consultant, who dilated on the importance of blood in surgical operations, Fatou Gaye Sanyang HIV/AIDS Coordinator and Mr Alagie E.U. Sarr, Head of Blood Bank RVTH who spoke at length about the importance of Blood donation and Blood.

Mr Babucarr Ngum, Public Relations Officer RVTH, chaired the ceremony.