Winneba: Hundreds of people in the Central Region, including students, participated in the MTN Ghana Foundation’s annual blood donation exercise held to commemorate Valentine’s Day. The ‘Save a Life’ initiative aimed at supporting the National Blood Service and restocking regional blood banks has successfully collected more than 29,000 blood units since 2011.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Foundation’s target is to collect more than 6,100 units of blood across the country this year, marking the highest collection since the program’s inception. In the Central Region, the exercise was conducted at various institutions including Winneba Senior High School, Academy of Christ the King in Cape Coast, the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, Ankaful Nursing Training School, and the North Campus of the University of Education, Winneba.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that thousands of lives are saved each year through blood transfusions. However, many hospitals and blood banks in Ghana continue to face blood shortages, often resulting in preventable deaths. Madam Regina Arkaifie, Human Resource Manager, MTN, Southern Ghana, emphasized that the blood donation exercise was a testament to MTN’s commitment to enhancing the lives of Ghanaians.
She noted the severe impact of blood shortages on the nation’s human capital and highlighted the success of mass blood donation exercises in addressing this critical issue in healthcare delivery. Blood donation provides vital support for patients undergoing surgeries, accident victims, pregnant women, and cancer patients, and is essential for emergencies and medical crises.
Madam Arkaifie further explained that the initiative not only aims to replenish blood banks but also encourages voluntary blood donation. She expressed satisfaction with the positive reception across the country and noted the increasing awareness of the importance of blood donation.
Highlighting other achievements by the MTN Ghana Foundation, Madam Arkaifie mentioned the construction and furnishing of a blood bank for the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Cape Coast Hospital in 2011. She also recalled MTN’s recognition as the highest corporate blood donor in 2013, the second highest in 2014, and one of the top donors in 2015. The Foundation aspires to significantly contribute to reducing maternal mortality, given the direct correlation between blood availability and maternal health outcomes.