Afghanistan Times
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By Akhtar M. Nikzad-KABUL: With donation of blood by tens of sportsmen and volunteers, the Ministry of Public Health on Wednesday commemorated the World Blood Donor Day campaign (WBDD) with its international partners here in the Central Blood Bank. The theme of this year for blood campaign is “Thank you for saving my life”.
Tens of sportspersons from participated in the campaign and donated their blood to Afghan security forces who put their lives in danger to defend the country against any kind of aggression by Afghanistan’s enemies and those who suffering from thalassemia.
Officials of the Central Blood Bank said that by rising of public awareness regarding the importance of blood transfusion, the culture of blood contribution has been increased and hundreds of people donate their blood voluntary on daily basis.
Amanullah, a doctor in the Central Blood Bank, said that Afghan hospitals need too much blood, because every day the conflict and suicide attacks by Afghanistan’s enemies leave many people injured.
Regarding the reason that why the blood donors increased in compare to the past, he said that people support the security forces by donating their blood to fight against Taliban insurgents.
“Afghan security forces all the time stand bravely against anti-government forces and those who want to destabilize this country. They serve the country and defend the country’s sovereignty and integrity at a cost of their blood,” he said.
Shaker, another doctor, said that every day the Central Blood Bank stores around 5000 c.c. of blood and distribute it to hospitals. But he said that 90 percent of the blood is provided to those who are suffering from thalassemia.
Mohammad Gul Babakarkhel, a sportsman, said that he has come to donate his blood for the security forces.
“Our security forces are those braves that sacrifice their lives for protecting us. Thus, it is our duty to give our blood to save their lives,” he said.
The spokesman for Ministry of Interior, Sidiq Sidiqi, appreciated the blood donation campaigners, and termed the drive vital and great step to support Afghan security forces who have sustained injuries in fight against militants.
He called on the nation to support Afghan security forces by blood donation and help the injured cops to recover.
The objectives of this year’s globally campaign are to: thank blood donors for their life-saving donations, promote regular voluntary unpaid blood donation, and create wider public awareness of the need for regular donation because of the short shelf-life of blood components and to encourage existing and potential donors to donate blood at regular intervals. Focus attention on donor health and the quality of donor care as critical factors in building donor commitment and a willingness to donate regularly.
According to the World Health Organization, so far, in just 62 countries, national blood supplies are based on close to 100% voluntary unpaid blood donations, with 40 countries still dependent on family donors and even paid donors.
Doctors say that healthy people aged between 18 to 60 years can donate blood normally in every three months and the body completes the blood within three next months.
