On the 9th September 2020, Matsapha Town Council dedicated that day to donate blood to help save lives of the ones in the country who might need blood. Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, much focused has switched to focusing on curbing and managing the pandemic, resulting to some areas almost neglected. News reports have highlighted that some of the areas affected is the shortage of blood at the Blood Transfusion Bank.
To address the acute shortage of blood, the Eswatini National Blood Transfusion Service (ENTBS) is visiting church groups, youth groups, companies and other organizational groups with the aim of educating and collecting safe blood. Blood is collected from voluntary, non-remunerated individuals that are willing to donate after undergoing a brief blood donor education and medical interview that determines whether the individual qualifies to donate.
MTC employees from all the departments within the company came in their numbers to donate blood. More exciting was the spirit of helping that was seen amongst the staff. Blood transfusion is needed for;
- Women with complications of pregnancy such as ectopic pregnancies and haemorrhage before, during or after childbirth.
- Children with severe anaemia even resulting from malaria and malnutrition.
- People with severe trauma following man-made and natural disasters.
- Many complex medical and surgical procedures and cancer patients.
- People who have been involved in car accidents and have lost a lot of blood.
Donating blood can really help to save many lives. People are urged to work hand in hand with the Eswatini Blood Bank to help save lives by making sure that they donate blood. If you want to donate blood you can contact Eswatini National Blood Transfusion Service.