World Blood Donor Day : « Give blood, give hope, together let's save lives ».

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Extract from the article: On Friday June 13, 2025, the Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine (CNTS) launched activities in Lomé to mark World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), celebrated every June 14. For this 2025 edition, the theme is: “All united by blood donation” and the,

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On Friday June 13, 2025, the Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine (CNTS) launched activities in Lomé to mark World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), celebrated every June 14.  For this 2025 edition, the theme is: “All united by blood donation” and the slogan “Give blood, give hope, together let's save lives”. These messages highlight the generosity of donors and the great need for this act of solidarity. To meet the objectives of raising public awareness, the CNTS organized a special blood drive and awarded honorary diplomas and certificates of recognition to donors.

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the need for blood donations and their impact on patients' lives. For patients, transfusion is often vital. The CNTS encouraged donors to continue their commitment to a stable blood supply. To this end, the CNTS organized a blood drive at its site and at blood collection and distribution centers in the interior of the country.  The aim is to strengthen its reserves and meet the needs of the population.

At the official launch of the day, Professor Agrégé Lochina Fétéké, Director of the CNTS, stressed the importance of this day in widening the circle of awareness on blood donation as a human behavior and a fundamental pillar in raising the health level of citizens.

Mobilize 52,000 bags by the end of 2025

The CNTS aims to reach 52,000 bags by the end of 2025. According to the CNTS Director, despite the more than 70,000 blood bags collected by 2024, there are still 16.19% of unmet needs. This corresponds to almost 16,000 products derived from donations that blood transfusion centers have been unable to meet.

Togo has made a remarkable effort in recent years. In 2024, the country collected 8.82 donations per 1,000 inhabitants, moving closer to self-sufficiency in blood products. In 2024, 70,577 blood donations were collected nationwide. Although 82,000 donations are needed to cover all requirements, the road ahead is not long.

Tribute to donors

Loyalty remains at the heart of the CNTS's strategy to mobilize volunteers, whose blood donation - an act of solidarity - saves lives. For the occasion, honorary diplomas were awarded to 50 young, loyal and active blood donors. "We continue to ask for the solidarity of blood donors to achieve self-sufficiency. Without donors, the CNTS will not succeed. It's up to all of us to work together to create a favourable environment for blood transfusion", said Pr Ag. Fétéké.

The aim of these actions is to express the center's gratitude to these blood donors for their voluntary gesture, and to encourage them to sensitize others to follow in their footsteps by donating blood to save lives.

Esther KOLANI