Africa-Press – Mauritius. In the context of the World Blood Donor Day 2023, the Blood Donors Association organised a national workshop on the theme, ‘The impacts of ageing population on blood donation’.
The opening ceremony was held, this morning, at La Pirogue Mauritius Hotel in Flic en Flac, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun.
The President of the Blood Donors Association, Mr Dewanand Hossen; the General Manager of La Pirogue Mauritius Hotel, Mr Clency Romeo; and other personalities were also present.
In his keynote address, the President lauded this initiative of the Blood Donors Association as well as its remarkable efforts in contributing to the national blood bank for over two decades.
“The Association,” he said, “has been instrumental in mobilising donors, raising awareness and creating a strong network of support for the National Blood Transfusion Service.
” “It has also set up Pledge 15 Clubs in schools thereby, involving the youth in the planning and execution of donation campaigns,” he added.
President Roopun further indicated that through extensive outreach programmes and community engagement initiatives, the Association had successfully motivated people from all walks of life to come forward and contribute to this life-saving cause, thus nurturing a culture of compassion and empathy among the population.
“Blood donation activity is steadily increasing over the years to meet the increasing demands in the country,” he remarked.
“Currently, an average of 48,000 units blood is being collected yearly and it is expected to cross 50,000 units in 2023,” pointed out the President.
“The number of blood units collected from voluntary donors has increased from 25% in the 90’s to over 90% presently,” he moreover indicated.
“Although blood donation activity is steadily increasing over the years, rapidly increasing demands are posing a real challenge in maintaining a sustainable blood supply,” cautioned the President.
“It is, therefore, vital to educate the population on the importance of blood donation and to reflect on ways and means to address this major concern,” he underlined.
President Roopun also dwelt on the benefits associated to the donors including improvement in blood flow and a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes; regulating iron level; and stimulating the production of new fresh red blood cells resulting in the improvement of overall health.
World Blood Donor Day In 2005, the World Health Assembly officially designated 14 June as the World Blood Donor Day. The Day is dedicated to paying tribute to all voluntary blood donors who, through their noble gesture, save millions of lives all over the world. The 2023 slogan for World Blood Donor Day is ‘Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.’
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