BLOOD BANK EMPTY - COORDINATOR APPEALS FOR DONATION

The Coordinator of the Lesotho Blood Transfusion Services (LBTS), Mr. Matete Motlojoa has appealed to potential and regular blood donors, especially in blood groups A, B and O to donate blood, now that the blood bank is completely empty.

In an interview with LENA Mr. Motlojoa said group O is an essential group as it is used by all groups, while people falling under this group cannot get donations of blood from any of the people having other blood groups. He said new donors can donate blood if they are satisfied that they have not risked their lives or exposed themselves to risky situations. Mr. Motlojoa appealed to people to take blood test and obtain their HIV\AIDS status before attempting to donate, adding that donors who have contracted sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis are not advised to donate.

Mr. Motlojoa said even regular donors, who donate on quarterly basis and have recently exposed themselves to risky situations, should test their blood before attempting to donate blood. Mr. Motlojoa has also appealed to people to enjoy the coming Independence holidays and  protect themselves from dangerous situations such as handling blood without cloves.

01 October,2002