Ceps marks ninth anniversary |20 November 2023
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Recognises institutions with highest number of blood donors
Seven (7) institutions whose staff had donated more blood to the Seychelles Hospital have been recognised by the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps) and the Health Care Agency.
The organisations’ representatives received their trophies and certificates during a special recognition ceremony at the International Conference Centre last Friday in the presence of all blood donors.
Three individuals were also honoured for their inspiring roles and dedication in blood collection, namely Yvonne Bristol, Ilette Esther and Eddy Kilindo. Red Cross Society of Seychelles was also recognised for its instrumental role in blood collection over the years.
The event was part of activities to commemorate Ceps’ 9th anniversary, on November 8, following the dissolution of the Liaison Unit of Non-governmental Organisations in Seychelles (Lungos).
When addressing the guests, the organisation’s chief executive, Alvin Laurence, said they were happy to share this moment with health workers and blood donors and reiterated that the civil society could not exist without collaboration. Ceps also renewed its engagement with the health sector.
“This year for Ceps’ ninth anniversary, emphasis is being placed on the collaboration with the health sector.”
He also commended the blood donors from all walks of life for their commitment and dedication. “Our blood donors are the emblematic example of engaged and voluntary citizens. The era to appreciate the modern voluntarism has started and our blood donors remain the best example. We are therefore calling on others to join this big family,” stated Mr Laurence.
Speaking on behalf of the health ministry, principal secretary, Dr Bernard Valentin, commended and thanked all those involved in blood donation and collection stating Seychelles had a well-established system in place because the blood was safe and posed “almost zero risk” to the recipients.
According to Dr Valentin, around 200 people were donating blood regularly and the hospital’s target was to increase that number to at least a thousand. The majority of donors were men; 67 percent of them. “The majority of donors are volunteers contributing 53 percent of blood in the hospital’s bank, while family members contribute around 47 percent,” said Dr Valentin.
According to the Seychelles Hospital’s statistics, 2734 units of blood was collected last year. “It is a very good amount and we were satisfied but we can do better. So that is why we need to continuously motivate people to come forward and donate blood,” said the principal secretary.
Ceps said next year, it will host a special recognition for the institution giving most blood in the public and private sectors as well as the civil society.
Our selection of photos show the various groups who were recognised.
Compiled by Patsy Canaya
Photos by Louis Toussaint
