Accra, Ghana//-MTN Ghana Foundation is optimistic of collecting a total of 7,000 units of blood in its ‘Save a Life’ blood donation exercises held in the morning of today across 16 locations in the country.
The Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Madam Adwoa Wiafe gave the assurance at one of the blood donation centres held at the company’s headquarters in Accra.
This year’s blood donation exercises which took place across all the 16 regions simultaneously on Tuesday, 14 February 2024 were held between 8 am- 4 pm.
MTN Ghana whose corporate social responsibility arm is the MTN Ghana Foundation said it had set up 38 bleeding centres in all 16 regions of Ghana.
Madam Wiafe explained: “We have four centres in Accra, 10 centres in Southwest and Eastern part of Ghana and 24 centres from Kumasi up to the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions”.
The units of blood collected from the 38 bleeding centres nationwide would be distributed to the various regional and major hospitals in the country, according to her.
“As you know, Valentine’s Day is a day for spending time with and giving to loved ones. For you to be here today of all places not to give or receive flowers or chocolate from a loved one, which Valentine’s Day is known for, but to give blood to save the life not of a loved one but someone you do not know, we are truly honoured and deeply grateful”, she told staff of MTN and voluntary donors who were at the event to donate their blood.
Madam Wiafe believes each of them has a story of a relative, friend, colleague or neighbour who needed blood at some point in their lives and understands the anxiety and frustration that often come with it.
“We have all heard, at least in the media, some of the harrowing stories of unfortunate incidents that could easily have been avoided if blood was within easy reach.
That is why, we, at the MTN Ghana Foundation together with MTN Employee Volunteers have taken it upon ourselves to organize this life-saving event every Valentine’s Day since 2011 not only to donate blood but also to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and show our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our community”.
She was pleased to inform the public that through their collective efforts, they have witnessed remarkable achievements, with over 26,000 units of blood collected to date. “With your support, for which we are eternally grateful, we have earned recognition as one of the highest corporate blood donors in the country”.
Despite these achievements, Madam Wiafe assured that the telecoms company and its partners are not going to rest on their laurels, saying: “Last year, we were able to donate over 6,000 units of blood. This year, we hope to “Outdo” ourselves in true MTN spirit by collecting 7000 units. We are counting on you, our volunteers, to make it happen”.
Through this annual campaign, we have provided much-needed support to the National Blood Bank to help alleviate some of the challenges they face and give back to the society that has given so much to us and continues to give life to our company, Madam Wiafe said.
As they embark on this year’s nationwide blood donation drive, she urged the media and the public to spread the word about the dire need for and benefits of donated blood, while calling on Ghanaians to cultivate the habit of donating blood. “Let your kindness be the reason someone celebrates another day with their loved ones today”, according to her.
Madam Wiafe used the occasion to extend the company’s deepest appreciation to all blood donors who have responded to their calls every year. “Thank you to all those who will show up at the 38 locations today. There is no better gift worth giving today than the gift of life”.
She also thanked the Ministry of Health, National Blood Bank and healthcare workers for the work they do to provide quality healthcare to them and for continuously supporting them in this event.
Medical Officer of the National Blood Bank at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Steve Paintsil revealed that voluntary blood donations in the country were picking up from a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Voluntary blood donations according to him form only 28.6% of the country’s national blood supply.
Maternal health is one of the main casualties of a lack of blood. Without an adequately stocked national blood bank, healthcare delivery will continue to suffer, he said.
Since the inception of the initiative in 2011, over 20,000 units of blood have been collected. Instructively, the “Save A Life” project has earned the MTN Ghana Foundation some recognition including the “Highest Corporate Blood Donor” in 2013, the “Second Highest Corporate Donor” in 2014 and one of the Highest Corporate Donors” in 2015.
