On Wednesday October 23, 2024, a delegation from the National Blood Service paid a courtesy call on the Director General of Ghana Education Service Dr. Eric Nkansah.
In Attendance were
Dr. Shirley Owusu Ofori – CEO National Blood Service (NBS), Mr. George Sarpong- Board Member, NBS, Mrs Frances Naana Mullen Ansah- Board Member, NBS, Mr. David Dodzi Ahiadzro- Head Blood Donor Recruitment, Mrs Sophia Blankson – DCBDO and Mr. Ernest Amoah Ampah representing Mrs Theresa Oppong- Mensah Director of School Health Education Program (SHEP). The Director of Partnerships of GES Mr. Fred Biri Korang also joined the meeting.
The meeting sought to discuss issues of concern with respect to blood donation activities in SHSs i.e. misinformation about blood donation, growing reluctance of some school heads to allow blood donation exercises, reports of blood donation exercises by unauthorised health facilities which pose potential risk to donors, the use of incentives by some health facilities to entice potential donors who may not be eligible to donate.
Overall, the meeting was successful and fruitful; with both parties affirming commitment to ensure that voluntary blood donations across the country is sustained and improved upon.