Moroccans must continue to donate blood to attain the minimal 1% donor threshold advised by the World Health Organization.
On the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, celebrated today, Dr Achehboune from the National Blood Transfusion Center in Rabat spoke exclusively to Hespress EN saying that “Morocco needs 1,000 blood donations every day to achieve self-sufficiency”.
The rate of donation varies by location across the country and is particularly high in central regions due to the presence of hospitals and donation facilities, according to the doctor.
Blood donations reach a standstill in the summer due to a decline in donation rates.
“We urge Moroccans to give at all times and throughout all occasions. The blood donation process only takes 20 minutes, is quick, and has a significant impact on saving lives.” Said Dr. Achehboune.
The doctor saw a rise in the number of blood donations, and she attributes this to campaigns run by the media and members of civic society, as well as their collaborations with blood donation facilities.
The current average in the Kingdom is still 0.92%, falling short of the symbolic bar of 1%.
Nationally, the overall number of blood donors increased by 6% from 2021 to 2022, reaching 339,579 in total. However, Morocco is still a long way off from the WHO’s minimal recommendation of 1%.
The National Center suggests “encouraging blood donation and the collective and collaborative participation of the population and national partners with blood transfusion centers,” to guarantee the long-term supply of LBP and the sustainability of the donation system
As part of the new National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (CNTSH) objective to double blood donation sites, two fundraising locations were officially opened in March 2023.
The donation centers inside the Moulay Youssef Hospital Center in Rabat and Bab Lamreissa in Salé provide proximity, encouraging people to donate blood by bringing this service close to the public.
The establishment of the two facilities allowed for a 9% increase in total blood donations during Ramadan in 2023 over 2022, according to CNTSH.
The centers are dedicated “not only to the policy of increasing the number of donors, but also to improving the quality and safety of blood products.” Added CNTSH
The National Occupational Safety and Health Council uses June 14 as a chance to promote the value of blood donation and how it can save lives.
This day serves as a reminder to appreciate and thank blood donors as well as to encourage healthy individuals to give blood frequently to help patients who depend on transfusions.
In 2005, the World Health Assembly formally proclaimed 14th of June to be commemorated as the World Blood Donation annually.
This year’s campaign slogan is “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.” It underlines the significant contribution that each individual can make by giving the priceless gift of blood or plasma and puts the emphasis on those who need ongoing transfusion support.
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