2023-06-14 21:57:40
Quito, June 14, 2023
Every June 14, World Blood Donor Day is celebrated in honor of all donors who voluntarily and altruistically give a portion of their blood to help those in need. This practice is essential in the treatment of various diseases and in cases of emergency.
Regarding the celebration, the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) held a commemorative event in Quito where new donors were thanked for their collaboration. Javier Uribe, advisor for Health Systems and Services of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in Ecuador, said that thanks to them many people can continue to enjoy their lives. “Blood is an input that is not easily obtained, therefore the establishment of donation services becomes a capital to help those who need it.”
With a pint of blood up to 3 lives can be saved, commented Johanna Calderón, a voluntary blood donor. “As a donor I can say that it is an act of love for others, because by doing so we are saving the lives of people we do not know. Blood is the most beautiful gift one can give. It is a safe process that does not affect us”.
Ivonne Martínez, National Director of Quality, Patient Safety and Health Control of the MSP, explained that this day recognizes all the people who assume the responsibility of helping those who require blood components to recover their health. “We seek to ensure the quality of blood and its timely supply in the National Health System. It is important to make evident that route that we have to save lives ”.
Requirements to donate:
- Willingness to help others
- Be between 18 and 65 years old
- Weigh at least 50 kg
- Not be a carrier of diseases
- Have had breakfast or lunch, depending on the donation schedule
- Present an identification document (citizenship card, license or student card with photo
- Young people between the ages of 16 and 17 can donate with written authorization and a copy of the guardian’s ID
- People over the age of 65 can donate if they present a current medical certificate.
- People who have piercings and tattoos can donate 12 months after the piercing or tattoo.
The Comprehensive Public Health and Complementary Networks have a blood center, 16 blood banks and 141 transfusion medicine services nationwide. “Blood goes through a blood safety process. The MSP guarantees that 100% of donated blood is screened, ruling out diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis A and B, Syphilis and Chagas,” said Martínez.
#MSP #promotes #blood #donation #altruistic #gesture #saves #lives #Ministry #Public #Health