On 14 June 2022, the National Blood Service joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2022 World Blood Donor Day at its headquarters in Korle Bu under the theme “Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives”. The World Blood Donor Day was created to:

• raise global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion;
• highlight the critical contribution voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to national health systems;
• support national blood transfusion services, blood donor organizations and other nongovernmental organizations in strengthening and expanding their voluntary blood donor programmes by reinforcing national and local campaigns.

In Ghana, the event was celebrated with a number of activities:

• Virtual public sensitization and brand visibility through the use of social media;
• A newspaper publication and press statement to thank all blood donors for their commitment to donating blood even through the last two difficult years as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic and to announce all designated blood collection sites nationwide.
• Collaborate with some private corporate organisations and donor groups in Ghana to organize a series of blood donation events from the 14 June to the end of June 2022.
• Public education on the importance of blood donation in several media outlets.

The commerative ceremony was chaired by DCOP Lydia Donkor, Director General Police Professional Standards Bureau, National Police Headquarters and moderated by Mr Ato Turkson with an opening prayer by Rev. Paa Ekow Quaye, a member of the Ghana Blood Foundation. DCOP Lydia Donkor is a regular blood donor with over 20 donations.

The event was graced with the presence of other important personalities. Dr. Dyllis John-Teye, the acting Head of the Southern Zonal Blood Centre of the National Blood Service gave a welcome address, followed by a short address from the WHO Country Office by Dr. Francis Kasolo, WHO Ghana Representative. The keynote address was given by Mrs. Edith Gavor, Head of Drug Policy Unit, MOH on behalf of the Minister of Health.

In a closing remarks, DCOP Lydia Donkor entreated all stakeholders to show their solidarity to building social ties through blood donation. Watch the full video of the commemorative event here.

By Emmanuel Nene Dei (Head Planning, M&E)