MBABANE:Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa has urged African Governments to prioritize national blood transfusion services.
In a statement seen by this Swaziland News as the world celebrated the World Blood Donor Day on Tuesday, the Director said while countries across the African region had improved blood donation frequency, the situation remained challenging due to the shortage of staff and limited funding from Governments.
\"I urge African Governments and political leaders to prioritise the provision of adequate human and financial resources to secure the future of national blood transfusion services. A blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products, in sufficient quantities, is a key component of an effective health system\", said the Director.
Reached for comments, Dr Simon Zwane, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Health said as Government they had invested in the blood bank but the blood quantities were not yet enough.
\"The Ministry of Health has continued to invest in the blood bank (National Blood Transfusion Services) activities with a view to strengthen it. This is work in progress as we continue to add staff as well as budget for reagents and equipment maintenance.
We do not have enough quantities of blood and blood products. We therefore, are in a drive to recruit regular blood donors as that is more sustainable\", said the Health PS.
The World Blood Donor Day was celebrated on Tuesday under the theme \' Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives\'.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa