For the 2023 iteration of the event, blood donations to the annual “Save A Life” campaign of the MTN Ghana Foundation reached their greatest level yet.
Approximately 6,440 units of blood were collected during the annual St. Valentine’s Day blood drive.
The “Save a Life” initiative encourages MTN’s partners, clients, and members of the general public to give blood voluntarily in support of the National Blood Bank and several regional and district health institutions across the nation.
The Foundation’s goal for this year was to collect 4,000 units of blood from 47 bleeding centers located in 16 different parts of the nation.
Commenting on the exercise, Manager, Sustainability and Social Impact at MTN Ghana Foundation, Rhoderlyn Entsua-Mensah reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the drive for voluntary blood donation. “As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, we at MTN Ghana Foundation believe that the availability of safe blood is critical in health administration. This blood donation initiative was instituted to improve health delivery and so far, it has been phenomenal”, Mrs. Entsua- Mensah said.
“This year, we set out to collect 4,000 units of blood and through the generosity of our donors, we exceeded our target and were able to collect about 6440 units. The units of blood collected will go to the National Blood Service, and partner hospitals, Dr. Shirley Owusu-Ofori, CEO of the National Blood Service, praised the MTN Ghana Foundation for its consistent dedication and support to encourage voluntary blood donation over the years. and health facilities across the country,” she added.
“Twelve years ago, MTN Ghana Foundation partnered with the National Blood Service to raise public awareness on the need for safe blood for transfusion. It has also been an opportunity for society to give back, especially to those who have benefited from blood donations. This occasion has also been used to highlight the critical contributions voluntary unpaid blood donors make to the national healthcare delivery system. Voluntary blood donation is safe and it is the only means to support friends and loved ones who need a blood transfusion to manage health conditions”, Dr. Shirley said.
Dr. Owusu- Ofori took use of the occasion to inspire members of the public and other interested parties to donate blood voluntarily in order to spread love and save lives.
Since its beginning, the “Save a Life” Campaign has donated over 20,000 units of blood. The greatest collection up until this year’s event was in 2020 when the “Save a Life” Campaign produced 6,036 units of blood. The “Save a Life” campaign has had a significant impact on Ghana’s healthcare system, and MTN Ghana Foundation has received recognition for these effects over time.
