The MTN Ghana Foundation has mobilised 525 units of blood from three Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the Northern Region as part of this year’s Save A Life Campaign to supply blood banks in the region.
At Tamale SHS, a total of 273 units of blood were mobilised, while 200 units and 52 units were mobilised at Tamale Islamic Science SHS and Bimbilla SHS, respectively.
The blood donation exercise, which took place at the respective schools on Friday, February 14 formed part of the MTN Ghana Foundation’s commitment to mobilising voluntary blood donations to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.
Speaking during the exercise in Tamale, Richard Asemane, the Northern Regional Territory Sales Controller of MTN Ghana, said the Foundation’s target was to collect 640 pints of blood in the region and 7,000 pints nationwide as part of the campaign.
He noted that over the years, blood mobilised through the initiative had been distributed to health facilities, including the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, and Ridge Hospital.
Mr Asemane added that this year’s exercise also formed part of MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary activities, aimed at supporting national development initiatives, including health interventions.
Meanwhile, Ziblim Adam, Chief Blood Donor Organiser at TTH, said voluntary blood donations in the Northern Sector remained low, with the facility meeting only about 30% of its annual demand through voluntary donors.
He explained that rare blood groups, particularly negative types, were difficult to mobilise, noting that in every hundred donations, only about 5% might be negative, making it challenging to meet urgent blood group-related needs.
Mr Adam said the timing of the donation exercise was significant because it preceded the Ramadan fasting period, during which voluntary donations usually decline.
He also addressed misconceptions surrounding blood donation, dismissing claims that donated blood was sold or used for rituals.
“They pay what we call the processing fee. The charges cover laboratory screening, testing and equipment costs, and not payment for the blood itself,” he explained.
Mr Adam urged the public to cultivate the habit of voluntary blood donation, stressing that “One unit of blood can save up to three lives, especially babies.”
Source : www.citinewsroom.com
