Every blood donor is a Hero- Rwanda has cerebrated the World Blood Donor Day

Rwanda has joined the rest of the world this Thursday, June 14, 2012 to celebrate the World Blood Donor Day with a theme emphasizing the vital role played by donors “every blood donor is a hero.”

The Director General of Clinical Services in the Ministry of Health Dr. Ngirabega Jean de Dieu who represented the Minister of Health on the celebrations of the day which took place at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu district, Western Province, said that celebrating this day is a recognition and appreciation to people who donate blood, adding that this is an occasion to raise awareness and encourage those who are not yet involved to be part of the lifesaving process.

The ceremonies were also marked by blood donation activity done at Umuganda Stadium, testimonies by blood donors and their beneficiaries, songs by the famous artist Mr. Eric Senderi and a Rwandan traditional dance performed by Iyizire troup.

Different Donors have been thanked for having been donors several times without any monetary reward. The prices given to those who are distinguished for donating blood or for their contribution in raising awareness have received various prizes including certificates of appreciation, bikes, mattresses, etc.

There are only five blood transfusion centers in the country, located in Kigali, Butare, Musanze, Karongi and another in Rwamagana. Dr. Ngirabega Jean de Dieu announced that two other sites will be soon opened in the Country.

According to the acting Director General of Regional Centre for blood transfusion Dr. Swaibu Gatare, NCBT has continually ensured that blood is properly tested using standardized techniques. All collected blood units are tested for TTIs (HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis) using Architect is 2000sr automated machine.

Several other high personalities were present during these ceremonies : Mayor of the District Rubavu Sheikh Bahame Hassan, the Deputy Director General of Head of RBC and Head of IHDPC Dr. Anita Asiimwe, Head of the Division of Rwanda Health Communication Center Mr. Arthur Asiimwe, national and international partner’s representatives.

Celebrated for the first time in 2005 worldwide, the World Blood Donor Day is also in memory of Karl Landsteiner (June 14, 1868 – June 26, 1943), an Austrian biologist and physician who remembered for having first discovered human blood groups and thus paved the way for blood transfusions to be carried out safely. For this discovery he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1930.