The 23rd Mega Blood Donation Campaign, organised by the Blood Donors Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and other stakeholders, was launched, today, at the Municipal Council of Port Louis.

This Mega Blood Donation, around the theme ‘Nou lekor différent, nou disan pareil’, will be held on 19 December 2024 from 07 00 hrs to 18 00 hrs at the Esplanade of the Municipal Council of Port Louis. Its aim is to collect at least 1,800 pints of blood to palliate the need of blood and blood products during the festive period until 05 January 2025.

Members of Parliament, Mr Eshan Juman and Dr Sandeep Prayag; the Director, Health Services, Dr Ismet Nawoor; the Lord Mayor, Mr Mamode Issop Nujuraully; the President of the Blood Donors Association, Mr Dewanand Hossen; as well as other personalities were present on this occasion.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Nawoor highlighted the importance of having an adequate blood bank so as to be able to provide effective treatment to all needy patients. He stated that the Ministry collected some 47,927 pints of blood so far this year, and expressed the wish that the target of 1,800 pints of blood can be achieved on 19 December 2024.

Moreover, he appealed to the youth to donate blood on a regular basis and encouraged the population at large to actively participate in the Mega Blood Donation.

For his part, Lord Mayor Nujuraully highlighted that the aim of this Mega Blood Donation is to collect a maximum number of pints of blood, especially during the coming festive period. He stressed that any person who gives blood displays solidarity, compassion and generosity towards others.

As for Mr Hossen, underlined that the theme retained for this year has been chosen in order to further encourage persons with disabilities to donate blood. He nonetheless conceded that only around 2% of potential donors actually donate their blood on a regular basis, while many of these donors are aging. There is thus a need to find solutions to address these issues, he added.