Challenges of Voluntary Blood Donation in Pakistan

Abstract

If a person donates blood without any obligation, it is called voluntary donation, and a person can donate blood at least three times a year. The voluntary donation in Pakistan was merely 1 per cent back in 2005 which has now increased to 10-12 per cent in last 17 years.  Around 150,000 bags are monthly required for children suffering from thalassaemia alone in Pakistan. These children require blood transfusion monthly or fortnightly. 

Pakistan has high provenance of diabetes, hepatitis b & c and HIV thus making many people not eligible to donate blood. Socio-demographic factors like education, gender, age, marital status and residential area also adversely affect the voluntary blood donation. The family and replacement system is just adequate to provide a hand-to-mouth blood usage and barely to cover some shortages and emergencies. Rampant misconceptions exist, with 62% of respondents believing that blood donation can result in weakness, needle phobia and transfusion-transmitted infections etc. Fear of the procedure leads to negative attitudes towards voluntary blood donation. 

Unfortunately, the VD are not regular and are restricted to major cities, leaving smaller towns with insufficient blood supplies. Our Blood Donor Retention Strategy is not able to retain active volunteer donors, recruit new volunteer donors and recover temporarily deferred inactive donors. Other challenges include untrained medical staff, and non-standard blood transfusion equipment. These challenges, while significant, are not insurmountable. Efforts to raise awareness, dispel myths, and improve infrastructure can help address them. Here are some initiatives to enhance voluntary blood donation in Pakistan:

• Creation of awareness regarding misconceptions and benefits of blood donation at colleges/universities level.
• Compulsory voluntary blood donation before admission to universities, on application for driving licences and other similar situations that further alienate potential donors.
• Inclusion of a chapter on ‘Benefits of Blood Donation’ at metric level
• Leveraging online platforms like social /electronic media can connect potential donors with those in needi.e.face book’s etc to facilitate connections between donors and recipients.
• Organizing community-based blood drives can encourage more people to donate voluntarily. These events raise awareness and make it convenient for individuals to contribute.
• Public and private blood collection must focus on well-trained and cheerful staff and a very proactive ‘Blood Donor Retention Strategy’.
• The voluntary blood donors need to be motivated, recognized, appreciated and awarded as far as feasible. Emphasis must be given on offering some incentives to unpaid donors.
• It is understandable that many voluntary organizations may be limited by funds and support by the government, and even support by the people. But something can be put in place to make blood donation an enviable movement. We must overcome the challenges from commercial blood donors.
• Implementing mandatory screening of couples before marriage can help prevent thalassemia cases. This proactive approach ensures healthier future generations. It is pertinent to mention that 33% blood is at present consumed on thalassaemia patients. In case of ‘Thalaaemia free pakistan’, this blood can be utilized for other diseases.

Remember, every voluntary blood donation can save lives, especially for children with genetic blood disorders.