BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Blood groups may soon be included in the identity cards of individuals who are natives of Eswatini.
Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, indicated that they were considering engaging the Ministry of Home Affairs and other stakeholders to explore the feasibility of including such information in the identity cards of Emaswati. He stated that this initiative could be beneficial for the collection of blood, which is essential for maintaining the Blood Bank.
Minister Matsebula made these comments during a speech at Mankayane on 13 June 2025, in commemoration of Blood Donor Day, an event organised by the Eswatini National Blood Transfusion Service (Blood Bank). He explained that, at present, blood was being collected without identifying the blood groups of the donors, which posed challenges in administering the correct blood type to patients in need.
The minister further emphasised that his ministry remained committed to supporting the Blood Bank and enhancing its operations. He acknowledged that there were individuals in need of blood almost daily due to accidents and illnesses requiring transfusions for recovery. Matsebula highlighted that the Blood Bank often faced operational challenges, including a lack of vehicles.
He pledged to collaborate with the Blood Bank to improve their working conditions. Meanwhile, during the celebration of the eighth edition of the UN Blood donation session in honour of World Blood Donor Day, WHO Representative Dr Susan Tembo remarked that this was a time for the UN to “go beyond just preaching the gospel but to walk the talk.” She urged individuals to donate blood, emphasising that it could save lives, including those of mothers in delivery, children suffering from malnutrition or severe malaria, and road accident victims.
Dr Tembo added that the blood donated could potentially save the lives of the donors themselves. She affirmed that the UN, through the World Health Organization, supported the government in ensuring that blood collection activities were conducted throughout the year, adhering to the guidelines provided by WHO.
According to Dr Tembo, the Ministry of Health’s Blood Transfusion Unit collects thousands of units of blood each year from a diverse range of donors, including young children and adults; each donation has the potential to save up to three lives. She acknowledged the true power of community-led health action but noted that the demand for blood far exceeded the supply.
She cited data from WHO indicating that the African Region collects only six donations per 1,000 people, significantly below the recommended target of 10. This shortfall limits the ability to respond effectively to emergencies and deliver essential care, thereby affecting health equity.
Dr Tembo expressed her delight that the UN seized this annual opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards improving the health of others through blood donation. She concluded by stating that behind every donation lies a story of hope, humanity, and healing, and on this World Blood Donor Day, they honoured all those who give blood and those who support them. She remarked that their selfless actions embody the values of compassion, solidarity, and hope that unite their communities.
(Courtesy Pic)
