The residents of the Eastern Equatoria State capital Torit have been urged to regularly and voluntarily donate blood to save lives.
The call was made by health officials during celebrations to commemorate the World Donor Blood Day in Torit last Friday during which the South Sudan Red Cross local branch awarded certificates to 17 young men and women for saving lives through blood donations.
The administration of Torit State Hospital also provided 50 kg of maize floor and 8 liters of cooking oil to some regular blood donors.
The celebrations which were held at the Torit Freedom Square brought together government officials, partners, members of the organized forces, school children, and community members among others.
Fanan Simplicious Ongina, the manager of the South Sudan Red Cross in Torit, said the day is to recognize the efforts of volunteer blood donors who have saved millions of lives across the globe and to get people to donate blood.
“The objectives of this celebration is to thank and recognize the millions of volunteers who donate blood and have contributed to the health and wellbeing of millions of people around the world. It is also to showcase the achievements and challenges of the National Blood Programs and share the best practices and lessons learned,” he explained. “It is to highlight the need for the continuous need for regular unpaid blood donations to achieve universal access to safe blood transmission, to promote a culture of regular blood donations among young people and the public, and to increase the diversity and the sustainability of the blood pool.”
On his part, Clama Martin, the chairperson of the Regular Blood Donor in Torit, revealed that he has donated blood 34 times.
“Blood donation is voluntary and free of charge. I encourage all regular blood donors not to listen to and be discouraged by people. I have donated blood 34 times and saved lives so let us donate blood,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sunday Thomas, a mother, testified that she has survived several operations after being given blood donations and encouraged the public to donate blood.
“On 4 April, I was operated on while delivering a child and had another operation on the intestines, and both times my life was saved by donated blood and that is why I am alive and able to speak here today,” she said. “People should not refuse to give blood because it helps.”
Clementina Mbaya, the representative from the Eastern Equatoria State Ministry of Health, lauded the Torit branch of the South Sudan Red Cross for making the day a success.
“I just wanted to thank the South Sudan Red Cross very much for organizing this occasion, the day we recognize those people who give us blood, and because the Red Cross has been very faithful to the state health ministry,” she stated. “The blood drive has been moderate in Torit but sometimes they go as far as Magwi. So, remind our people that it is very important to donate blood because life is precious.”
On her part, Betty Hope Awor, the deputy speaker of the Eastern Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly who was also the guest of honor, said donating blood reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
“We highly encourage people to give blood to save lives and do not get discouraged by the negative talks of others because I know there are those who ask what you get when you give blood,” she said. “This day is specifically to mark the day of awareness about blood donations all over the world. When you donate blood, you are first of all reducing the risk of high blood pressure which is too common among our people. So, let us go out and spread the message that blood donation is a good thing and we are all eligible to give blood.”