The Gambia on Thursday joined the international community to observe World Blood Donor Day on the theme ‘Every blood donor is a hero’ at a ceremony held at the Sukuta Market Square. The occasion was graced by Fatim Badjie, the minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Alieu K Jammeh, the minister for Youth and Sports, who both checked and donated blood at the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Fatim Badjie said The Gambia joined the international community in celebrating World Blood Donor Day to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products. She pointed out that commemorating the day reminds them of the importance of blood donation and transfusion which is a vital component of the healthcare delivery system in The Gambia.

She stated that the availability of safe blood is a fundamental right of every human being and is very high on the agenda in President Jammeh’s government. She stressed that there is a constant need for blood transfusion to replace blood lost during child birth, in treating anemia, during emergency surgery, and for people who are injured in road traffic accident.

Focusing on the theme for the event, Badjie stated that the idea is that all and sundry can become a hero by donating blood, recognising the silent and unsung heroes who saved lives daily through their blood donations. She emphasised that the theme strongly encourages more people all over the world to donate blood voluntarily and regularly.

Badjie said the objectives of this year’s campaign are to thank and reinforce the self-esteem of those who give blood, to inspire those who do not give blood but are able and capable of donating, and also encourage the blood service staff to recognise blood donors for their heroic act.

She disclosed that daily heroes respond to an immediate need for blood transfusion services not depending on the conditions or convenience. She noted that voluntary donors come from all walks of life, regions, backgrounds, religions, and ages. “By choosing to donate blood out of free will is a human solidarity gesture with the power to save lives,” she added.

Badjie assured that her Ministry under the visionary leadership of President Jammeh will embark on an aggressive campaign and refocus on innovative new approaches to involve communities and youths in order to increase the number of voluntary blood donors.

She urged communities to emulate Sukuta’s Association of blood donors and form blood donation associations in their communities. “I thank you all for their commitment and supportto this cause, a very important strategy in the country’s vision to the attainment of health-related MDGs,” she concluded.