The need for blood

Not only heroes save lives. Blood donors save people`s lives on a regular basis. To mark World Blood Donors Day on Thursday, the Malta Blood Donors Association, a member of the International Federation of Blood Donors Associations, with the underlying motto of `Saving lives together`, is calling on all Maltese to donate blood.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Philip Chircop, the Malta Blood Donors Association media officer, explained that there is a constant need for blood in hospitals. Blood is required when treating accident victims, people suffering from leukaemia, anaemia, and during surgery. Approximately 80 per cent of blood donations is utilised during routine operations.

"It is imperative that blood is readily available at all times. The blood expires after about five weeks. It is for this reason that it needs to be given regularly, about three to four times a year, to ensure adequate blood stock levels."

Safety is ensured at all times. The blood is continuously screened and tested.

Who may give a helping hand? Blood donors may be any healthy person aged between 18 and 60.

"Donating blood is a noble gesture," Mr Chircop stressed.

"I don`t even want to think what the consequences would be if a catastrophe had to happen. Following a serious accident or during a serious operation, a patient may need up to 60 units of blood," he explained.

"Most people are sensitive to the issue of blood donation and are supportive of the notion but often do not get down to doing it. There are also some people who have a genuine fear of needles or blood."

Luckily, the number of blood donations has increased substantially since the association was set up six years ago.

"At the time, there were about 13,000 blood donations. Last year there were approximately 17,000."

But there are several people who for a variety of reasons are not eligible to give blood.

These include those who have given blood in the past 12 to 16 weeks, who are suffering from a chest cold, sore throat, active cold sore, hepatitis or jaundice (or have in the past 12 months), are taking antibiotics or have recently completed a course, have pierced any part of their body, done tattoos, received a blood transfusion or have undergone acupuncture in the past 12 months.

Mr Chircop continued that people who are not fit do give blood are also those who have suffered a serious illness or undergone major surgery or complicated dental work, are currently on medication, have contracted an infectious disease, are on a hospital waiting list, are undergoing medical tests, are pregnant or were pregnant up to a year ago. These may be risking their health if they give blood.

"Those who have returned from a malarial country should first wait for a period of 12 months prior to giving blood. And those who have travelled to Central or South America should inform clinical staff before donating blood."

"Donating blood is a good way of marking an occasion such as an anniversary or birthday," Mr Chircop said.

The Malta Blood Donors Association is also urging pensioners to contribute to this worthy cause.

"Pensioners have free time on their hands. It is in their interest to donate blood - it`s an investment. The association needs their support," he continued. The association is also calling on organisations to respond to this need and to play a role in the awareness campaign.

"We already have the support of certain organisations. It would make an enormous difference if in each company there were a contact person to motivate the rest of the employees to donate blood on a specific day.

"We have already held meetings with the Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) and the Malta Union of Bank Employees (MUBE). They have agreed to become associate members of the association and to participate in the awareness campaign. The General Workers Union (GWU) has also agreed to participate. Advertising will help to foster increased awareness and for this purpose we are also seeking sponsorships from corporate organisations.

The association aims to foster awareness on the science of blood and safe blood donation and to assist health authorities to set up a national blood policy and define voluntary blood donation rules and regulations by setting up a standing hospital transfusion committee to oversee safe blood transfusion and the optimum use of blood in hospitals."

The association also intends to help the authorities set up a national blood donor charter and introduce courses leading to diploma level. It will also be teaming up with life-saving organisations to promote the ongoing need for blood.

On Thursday - World Blood Donors` Day - the association is to various activities and is calling on public figures, politicians and union leaders to show solidarity with those who need blood through their participation.

Blood may be donated at the Blood Mobile Unit, the Blood Transfusion Centres in Guardamangia, Gozo and of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), Floriana.

For more information on the Malta Blood Donors Association call: 2149-1058 (after 4 p.m.), 2145-4116, 9945-0470, 9942-1589 or 9982-0980, fax: 2141-4440, or e-mail: info@maltablooddonors.com.