An analysis released yesterday by the global agency showed that blood drive in the region dropped by 25 per cent, while demand dipped by 13 per cent besides suspension of routine surgeries in some countries and observation of fewer people seeking care in health facilities.
With the theme, ‘Give blood and keep the world breathing’, this year’s World Blood Donor Day acknowledged the invaluable contributions of blood donors to saving lives and health improvement.WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, noted: “Disruptions to the steady supply of safe blood can be life-threatening. We deeply appreciate the selfless, life-saving gesture of blood donors and urge countries to set up and reinforce systems to increase voluntary blood donation.
In partnership with Facebook, WHO has established a regional blood donations feature to connect people with nearby blood banks. The tool is live in 12 countries, with over 3.8 million users signed up for notification of donation opportunities.MEANWHILE, the United Nations Children’s Fund , yesterday, said Nigeria and 31 other African and Latin American nations hit by the virus would receive $39 million emergency fund for the development of vaccine cold chains.
The Officer in Charge, UNICEF Nigeria, Rushnan Murtaza, further confirmed: “The support from the government of Japan complements the work of the COVAX facility, an international vaccine procurement mechanism, working to ensure that people in all countries have quick and equitable access to vaccines.