The National Blood Bank (BNS) is working to establish a blood donation group to assure blood stocks at the facility and to raise community awareness of blood donations.
BNS chief Arcenio Jose Alves Guterres Afonso said the group’s presence is very important to blood supply in Timor-Leste.
The need for blood was increasing each day, Afonso said at Timor Plaza.
He said individuals and families who volunteered to give blood saved lives, particularly those of women.
Afonso said the group’s mission would include devising an annual strategic plan for the bood program.
“They’re going to strengthen the blood transfusion system in Timor-Leste by holding regular blood collections every three months,” he said.
The group would also raise awareness of blood donation with community members, some of whom were afraid to donate.
National Hospital Guido Valadares (HNGV) general director Jose Antonio Gusmao said while HNGV had continual problems with low blood stocks, it was a problem that could be solved.
A solution would involve co-operation with volunteer donors and the families of patients, he said.
He called on community members to take part in the group and to donate blood regularly, an act which saved lives.
Women in childbirth regularly needed to receive blood transfusions, he said.
“Supporting BNS assists our brothers who need blood,” Gusmao said.
Blood donor Yongki said he had spoken with his family and had decided to become a community volunteer donor to save people in need.
Yongki said he had made 104 blood donations and was living proof there was no need to fear blood donations.
“Now, I’m fine, therefore I call on people to donate a drop of blood in order to save people’s lives,” Yongki said.
He added regular blood donation also had health advantages for donors.
Blood screening could help identify certain illnesses, allowing for early medical intervention.
