Accra, Nov. 29, GNA - The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) is required to collect 250,000 units of blood annually, to make blood and blood products available and affordable in the country. Mr Rojo Mettle Nunoo, Deputy Minister of Health, who announced this on Monday, said only 165,000 units of blood was collected last year with voluntary donors contributing about 25.4 per cent. He was addressing the 10th National Blood Donor Day and launch of 2010 Blood Donation Campaign in Accra.

The campaign is on the theme: "Safe Adequate Blood for Transfusion, Responsibility of Every Citizen." The Deputy Minister urged Ghanaians especially the youth to donate blood donation and called on social groups and religious bodies to reflect on blood donation exercise as a moral and religious exercise needed to sustain humanity. "We must all support the vision of achieving a well-established National Blood Transfusion Service based on a 100 per cent voluntary non-remunerated blood donation", he said. He announced that the Ministry was working on a National Blood Service Bill to provide the NBTS the appropriate legal backing to network with blood banks of other hospitals to be able to provide services to all parts of the country.

Mr Mettle-Nunoo explained that under the bill, the NBTS could become a collaborative centre for research and training in transfusion medicine for Anglophone West Africa.

Mr Sam Brandful, President of Rotary Club of Accra, sponsors of the blood donation campaign, encouraged more corporate entities to join in the provide safe and copious blood for the country's needs. He urged Ghanaians to see the act of blood donation as a social duty and service to humanity and the community. Dr Justina Ansah, Head of NBTS, said there was always a constant need for safe and adequate blood and urged every Ghanaian to donate blood at least twice a year to ensure the availability of blood. "Talk to a friend or relative to enrol as a voluntary blood donor, for today's donor may be tomorrow's recipient", she said. Mr Edward Banoh, a teacher was given an award as the most frequent donor. He has donated 60 times and received a refrigerator and a citation. Mr Eric Enoch Offei, Chief Labour Officer, received a refrigerator and a citation for donating 55 times while Mr Patrick Yamenu, received a television set for donating 53 times. Ms Edith Nana Yaa Akyaa, unemployed, received the women's award for donating 26 times. 29 Nov. 10