Dr. Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative
Dili: Each day, the Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV) blood bank receives a multitude of urgent requests for blood from patients in critical condition. However, despite their best efforts, the blood bank is only able to fulfill less than 40% of this demand through voluntary blood donations. In the remaining instances, the patients' families are requested to coordinate replacement donors.
It is unacceptable for any patient, whether in critical or stable condition, to have to wait for blood. The reliance on replacement donations can be eliminated if a well-established voluntary blood donation system is in place. In India, for instance, the government is actively working to eradicate replacement donation, making it mandatory for hospitals to depend entirely on non-remunerated voluntarily donated blood and organizing regular blood donation camps.
Today, as we observe World Blood Donation Day, it is crucial to reflect on this year's theme: "Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often." It is essential to realize that a single blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives. This year’s campaign focusses on individuals who require lifelong transfusion support, emphasizing the role each person can play by donating blood or plasma.
In order to revive Timor-Leste's blood banking system, the World Health Organization is fully committed to supporting the Ministry of Health and the national hospital (HNGV) in developing a comprehensive strategy for the national blood bank. WHO envisions a three-tiered system, where the national blood bank evolves into a state-of-the-art National Blood Transfusion Centre, serving not only as a blood bank but also as a specialized center in hematology science. Regional referral hospitals at the second level would also have their own blood banks and smaller health centers at the third level would have blood storage facilities, eliminating the need for families to travel long distances and face unnecessary hardships to obtain blood or blood components like plasma and platelets.
However, such a system can only thrive when the community is fully aware of the importance of blood donation and a collective willingness is fostered to come forward and donate. Youth groups and institutions must be encouraged to hold regular blood donation camps. Raising awareness and advocating this cause among parliamentarians, media outlets, and the youth is paramount. Additionally, we must prioritize the training of technicians in blood banks to ensure a competent workforce. WHO is dedicated to supporting the Ministry of Health on all these fronts, striving to establish a better blood transfusion system in Timor-Leste.
On this World Blood Donor Day, let us unite in our efforts to revitalize Timor-Leste's blood transfusion systems, promoting non-remunerated voluntary blood donation as the cornerstone of a safe and sustainable blood supply. Together, we can save lives and create a brighter future for all those in need of timely medical treatment.