Cameroon witnessed a slight improvement in blood donation in 2022, the National Blood Transfusion Service, NBTS has revealed.

According to the latest figures released by the NBTS, of the 416,937 blood bags expected in 2022, just 147,034 were collected by 473 health centres, with a total coverage of 36,75 percent.

Despite falling well below the target, the 2022 figures show a slight improvement from 2021 when 140,207 (35,05 percent) blood bags were collected and a better improvement going further back to 2019.

According to the National Blood Transfusion Service, the progress made in the donation of blood can be justified by the by the increased sensitization campaigns and adherence by the population to the call.

Cameroon Still In Dire Need Of Blood!

Despite this slight improvement, Cameroon is still in dire need of blood. It is in this light that the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie granted a press conference on Wednesday, June 7 to launch activities to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day.

Commemorated on June 14 under the theme “Blood donation a civic act, an altruistic act,” a number of activities will take place at the Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex.

Presenting the situation in Cameroon, the Minister of Public Health said 782 deaths per 100,000 births, of which almost half of maternal deaths (45%) are linked to haemorrhages.

For three children aged between 6 and 59 months, 5.60% suffer from anemia which requires a blood transfusion. There is equally the increase in the number of road accidents and chronic anemia patients. These are some of the reasons that make blood donation and blood transfusion a very important gesture, the Minister of Public Health said.

Expressing his gratitude to all those people who voluntarily, benevolently and regularly participate in their own way in the preservation of life, the Minister of Public Health stressed on the main mission of the National Blood Transfusion Service whose is to work to provide Cameroon with a secure, efficient and sustainable blood transfusion system, capable of providing all patients with quality blood and blood products.

He challenged the NBTS to guarantee the availability of blood products in health centres in order cover up at least 60 percent of needs by 2025.