World Blood Donor Day : Blood Donors Honoured, But More Needed

Statistics from the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) indicate that national blood coverage stands at 41 per cent. This represents a progressive increase of about 5 per cent in over five years. There is a significant gap between what is needed and that which is available. It is within this backdrop that the NBTS on World Blood Donor Day commemorated on June 14, 2025 at the National Museum expressed gratitude to some fervent blood donors in Yaounde through a certificate of recognition.  
During a solemn ceremony, the President of the Board of Directors of NBTS, Professor Tetanye Ekoe said it was a day to honour and express gratitude to those brave blood donors who do not only save lives, but also set an example for the entire nation. They have overcome all the taboos that slow down blood donation and prevent blood banks and hospitals from having enough blood. To the blood donors, he said, “Bravo, you are heroes worth emulating. Thank you.”
The ceremony was also an opportunity to present the difficulties encountered in ensuring that people voluntarily donate their blood. In spite of the efforts of blood donors and the work of the NBTS, there is still a lot to be done. The General Manager of NBTS Professor Dora Mbanya said the structure faces challenges such as low blood donation culture in the country, misinformation and cultural/religious beliefs, fear of blood being used for rituals etc. She used the occasion to call for a collective action and support for citizens to donate their blood. “Collectively, we must ensure...