Obuasi, July 8, GNA - Cases of maternal deaths in the Adansi West district of Ashanti dropped from 19 in 2001 to eight last year, Dr Samuel Osei-Somuah, the District Director of Health Services said on Thursday.

"This year, two cases were recorded and that efforts are being made to retain the figure and so we are encouraging the public to donate blood for the Obuasi Government Hospital, since bleeding after delivery is the major cause of maternal deaths".

Dr Osei-Somuah sas speaking at Obuasi during blood donation exercise organised by the management of the hospital and Shaft Radio, an FM station at Obuasi.

Over 100 persons donated blood during the exercise. which had Mining and Building contractors (MBC), Liz Mart Shopping Centre, Atlas Copco and Anyinam Lodge as some of the major sponsors.

Dr Osei-Somuah said the hospital had always relied on the AngloGold Ashanti Hospital for blood, since that hospital was better organised in blood management.

"Last two years and that of last year, AngloGold Ashanti Hospital loaned us several pints of blood when we were in need but now we want to be in a position where we will have constant supply of blood", he said. He commended the blood donors but advised the public to lead lives worthy of emulation.

Nana Siaw Akuoko, the Ashanti Regional Blood Programme Organiser, appreciated the services of the sponsors. He said education on blood donation was going to be intensified to create the needed public awareness on the importance of donating blood to save lives.

Nana Akuoko said blood donation is a life-saving crusade, adding that, "no matter the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, there is still the need for people to donate blood".

The Ashanti Regional Health directorate and the Rotary Club of Accra honoured four persons who have at various periods donated blood.