Secretary of state for health Marie-Pierre Lloyd’s message on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day – June 14 |13 June 2020
‘Safe blood saves lives’
“Safe blood is critical both for treatments and urgent interventions. It can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with a higher quality of life and supports complex medical and surgical procedures. Blood is also vital for treating the wounded during emergencies of all kinds and has an essential, life-saving role in maternal and neonatal care.
“On the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, which is celebrated on June 14, let us reflect on this noble cause and thank all the volunteers, unpaid men and women in Seychelles for their life-saving gifts of blood. One donation which takes only 15 minutes can save up to 3 lives, lives of our fellow citizens, young and old. Seychelles has a pool of 300 men and women who donate blood on a regular basis and who respond to our calls whenever we need them.
“The campaign theme for this year’s World Blood Donor Day is ‘Safe blood saves lives’ with the slogan ‘Give blood and make the world a healthier place’. The idea is to focus on the contribution an individual giver can make to improve health for others in the community. Blood donations are needed all over the world to ensure individuals and communities have access to safe and quality-assured blood and blood products in both normal and emergency situations.
“Through the campaign, the World Health Organisation (WHO) calls on more people all over the world to become life-savers by volunteering to donate blood regularly.
“Actions which are key to building a strong foundation of sustainable national blood supplies that are sufficient to meeting the needs of all patients requiring transfusion.
“On behalf of the department of health and the many children, men and women whose lives have been saved through blood donation, I would like to express my deepest appreciation for all those who are committed to giving blood voluntarily. You have made a difference to someone’s life. I also would like to express my recognition and thanks to the various non-governmental organisations, private organisations and parastatals that organise blood drives and make it a regular event in their calendar of activities.
“Let me take this opportunity to appeal to everyone to make this simple step which can bring so many rewards.
“Donate blood and help save lives.”
Press release from the department of health