At least 80 individuals residing in the Bentiu IDP camp in Unity State generously donated blood to a secondary healthcare hospital in the camp.
This coincided with the commemoration of World Blood Donor Day under the theme, “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.”
World Blood Donor Day is observed annually on June 14th to raise awareness about the significance of blood donation and to express gratitude to blood donors worldwide. The objective is to promote voluntary, safe, and regular blood donations, ensuring an adequate supply of blood for those in need. Additionally, the event emphasizes the crucial role played by blood donors in saving lives and encourages more individuals to become regular blood donors.
The occasion was marked by blood donations and the sharing of testimonials from both regular blood donors and recipients.
Dr. Duol Biem, the Director General at Unity State Ministry of Health, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that a total of 80 people had contributed blood on Wednesday to the Bentiu IDPs hospital, which is managed by MSF.
Dr. Biem emphasized the ongoing awareness campaigns related to blood donation, highlighting the pressing need for more blood donors at the two main hospitals in Bentiu, namely Bentiu Hospital and Bentiu IDPs Hospital.
“The challenge is for all of us in the health sector, partners, donors, and everyone involved in the health industry. We must embrace the challenge to expand the reach of blood donation campaigns in the two hospitals of Bentiu,” reiterated Dr. Biem.
Dr. Biem also appealed to community members to continue their efforts in donating blood to support those in need. He emphasized that this is the only way to assist individuals requiring blood in the future.
“Empowering the blood transfusion facilities across Unity State is crucial, as well as empowering the two hospitals in Bentiu town and Bentiu IDP camp. Sometimes, medical professionals work beyond their working hours due to emergencies, becoming reliant on the goodwill of others to donate blood,” stated Biem. He expressed gratitude to the individuals who donated blood to the secondary healthcare hospital under MSF Holland.
Charity Kamu, the MSF Project Coordinator in the Unity State Bentiu IDP camp hospital, also shared her insights with Radio Tamazuj on Thursday. She emphasized the demand for blood donation and its significant impact on the community, particularly for those facing blood shortages.
“According to MSF, 80 individuals confirmed their blood donation at the secondary healthcare hospital in Bentiu IDP camp during the World Blood Donor Day celebrations, thereby saving the lives of others in need of blood at the hospital,” explained Kamu.
With an estimated population of 140,000 residents in the Bentiu IDP camp, only 80 individuals participated in the blood donation drive on World Blood Donor Day.
“This is not the first time we have celebrated Blood Donor Day worldwide. We initiated this tradition in 2016 when the Bentiu IDP camp hospital was facing a shortage of blood donations,” she stated.
Furthermore, Kai Mead Makuei, who donated blood to a secondary healthcare hospital under MSF Holland, urged more people to join the campaign and increase the availability of blood in various hospitals. He emphasized the critical need for blood assistance within the community, particularly for those currently hospitalized and experiencing blood shortages.
“I will continue donating blood to support my community members who are suffering in the Bentiu IDP hospital. That is my primary motivation for donating blood to the hospital,” explained Kai.
Kai appeals to other community members to join him in donating blood to secondary healthcare hospitals.