Accra: The MTN Foundation Ghana has organized a blood donation exercise, drawing citizens to stock the blood banks of major regional hospitals across the country. The event, held in partnership with the National Blood Service (NBS), 37 military hospitals, and Greater Accra Hospital (Ridge Hospital), was themed 'Save a Life' and aimed at raising awareness about the significance of blood donation in Ghana. The initiative also set a target to collect 6,100 units of blood from all locations.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Kofi Aware, General Manager Legal and Regulatory, explained in an interview that 'Save a Life' is an MTN Ghana Foundation initiative, launched in 2011. Since its inception, the initiative has responded to the NBS's call to action, helping to restock the blood bank and provide a lifeline to those in need.
Mr. Aware highlighted that voluntary blood donation in Ghana has made progress in recent years, but significant challenges remain in meeting the nation's transfusion needs. In 2022, Ghana collected approximately 179,765 units of blood, with 45,463 units falling short of the World Health Organization's (WHO) transfusion requirement. He added that the WHO recommends a minimum of 10 units per 1,000 populace to meet basic transfusion requirements, while Ghana's blood collection index (BCI) was 5.8 per 1,000 populace in 2022, indicating a substantial gap between supply and demand.
Dr. Shirley Owusu Ofori, Chief Executive Officer, National Blood Service (NBS), expressed gratitude to MTN Ghana Foundation and its partners for the initiative, stating that it would significantly impact saving lives in the country. She encouraged Ghanaians to adopt the practice of donating blood, emphasizing that it is a vital way to support families and loved ones who need transfusions to manage their health conditions.
