Every year on June 14, nations around the world commemorate World Blood Donor Day. Under the theme ” 20 years of celebrating blood donation: thank you to all blood donors” , the day of this year aims to raise awareness of the importance of safe blood products and encourage voluntary donors, whose donations directly contribute to saving lives.
In 2023, Morocco crossed the threshold recommended by the WHO, with 1% of its general population engaged in blood donation, as indicated by a press release from the National Center for Blood Transfusion and Hematology (CNTSH), signed by its director, Dr Najia El Amraoui.
Compared to 2022, the total number of blood donations increased by 11%, with a notable increase of 14% observed during the month of Ramadan 2024 compared to the previous year. To achieve self-sufficiency in labile blood products (LBP), Morocco requires more than 1,000 daily donations.
The CNTSH reassures about the adequate availability and safe quality of PSLs. He also highlights that the year 2022 was marked by the obtaining of ISO 9001 version 2015 certification by three CRTS: Tétouan, Fez and Rabat, with a second certification for Rabat.
In 2023, the CNTSH as well as the CRTS of Oujda, Marrakech and Casablanca were also certified according to this same standard, strengthening Morocco’s position as a model of blood transfusion for several African countries benefiting from technical support within the framework of the south-south cooperation.
For the National Center for Blood Transfusion and Hematology, this day is an opportunity to pay tribute to blood donors, to thank them and encourage them to donate regularly. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness among healthy people of the importance of regular blood donation to improve the quality of life of patients dependent on transfusions, and to mobilize the support of public authorities and partners to promote donation. of blood.
In order to achieve these objectives, various events, awareness campaigns and blood drives will be organized in the regional CRTS in collaboration with several partners, as highlighted in the same press release.
The CNTSH therefore invites all partners, public and private establishments to collaborate with the CRTS to develop a national blood collection program aimed at self-sufficiency in PSL for each region.
