The initiative, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, was aimed at addressing the critical shortage of blood in hospitals and to give back to the community.
Inspired by past experiences of staff members and their families who struggled to find blood during emergencies, the firm rallied businesses and individuals to contribute to this vital cause.
Mustapha Cham, Manager of Information Technology Advisory at DTA, reminded that DTA is The Gambia’s oldest professional services firms, having served the community since 1964.
He said, this year marks their 60th anniversary, and as part of the celebrations, they organised a blood donation drive to give back to the community.
Recognising the critical shortage of blood at hospitals, he said, the firm invited neighboring businesses and individuals to participate, emphasising the importance of such contributions.
He thus encouraged other companies to support similar causes, saying blood donation is safe and beneficial, with the Ministry of Health providing counseling to ensure donors are comfortable and well-informed.
Kawsu Jaiteh, a senior blood recruitment officer at Kanifing General Hospital, expressed gratitude to DTA on the commemoration of their 60th anniversary.
As part of the celebration, he said, the company organised a blood donation drive to support the hospital, an initiative he described as timely and commendable, especially during the malaria season when the demand for blood is extremely high.
Jaiteh emphasised the importance of such collaborations, saying for the company to call us to participate in this event is a significant gesture and something that they truly appreciate.
"This is exactly the kind of partnership we seek with institutions. If more organizations followed DTA’s example, the blood shortages we face would become a thing of the past.”
He also addressed common misconceptions about blood donation, highlighting its health benefits and the simplicity of the process.
He called on volunteers to visit their nearest health facilities to donate, emphasizing that blood donors can also learn about their health status at no cost.
Aji Penda Sankareh, Managing Partner of DTA, highlighted that as part of their 60th anniversary celebrations, the company honored past partners and staff, who contributed to its journey. Family members represented those who had passed away.
She also announced the rebranding of the company’s name and logo in commemoration of the milestone.
"Additionally, DTA plans to offer scholarships to underprivileged girls who excelled in their secondary education to support their university studies."
Sankareh while emphasising the critical importance of the initiative, acknowledged that many people only realise its value when they are in need.
She thus expressed the company’s commitment to taking the lead in promoting blood donation initiatives.
