Donating blood in the COVID-19 pandemic is a sign of humanity. 272,289 blood donations were received in 2020
Blood donations are more necessary than ever during the current COVID-19 pandemic, and so Columbian Health Secretary Alejandro Gómez is taking steps to ensure that donations continue safely for blood donors and recipients.
According to the entity, with a blood donation, up to three lives can be saved and the only way to ensure a timely and sufficient supply of blood components is through voluntary and regular donations.
“Donating blood is a generous and caring activity for people who are or will be sick at some point. This is a good opportunity to help during the emergency caused by the Coronavirus, if we become regular blood donors we will be guaranteeing a service that is irreplaceable, such as safe blood or a blood component at times when hospitals require it. When a person makes a blood donation, what she does is a gift of life, ”said Alejandro Gómez, Health Secretary.
Safe blood is essential in the treatment and urgent interventions, for which the District Network of Blood Banks continue carrying out actions to meet these needs.
According to the figures provided by the Ministry of Health, in 2019 272,289 blood donations were received, which allowed guaranteeing blood transfusions to 76,267 patients in clinics and hospitals in Bogotá.
“Between March and May of this year, donations have dropped due to the declared health emergency throughout the country. The District Network of Blood Banks have managed to collect 53,100 units of blood, thanks to its 15,930 regular donors who, following All the biosecurity measures have contributed to maintaining the supply of blood components in the country’s capital, “said the Secretary of Health.
The World Health Assembly designated World Blood Donor Day in 2005 to thank blood donors and encourage more people to donate blood to raise awareness of the global need for safe blood.
“The safest blood comes from the voluntary unpaid donation of people like you and me. Donation is an act of solidarity and altruism, which the world needs now more than ever in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, “said Pan American Health Organization Director Carissa Etienne.
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