Republic of Mauritius- MRA celebrates 13th anniversary by organising several blood donation activities

The Minister of Health and Quality of Life, Dr Anwar Husnoo, made this statement, this morning, at the launching of the blood donation activities organised by the MRA to mark its 13^th anniversary, held at the MRA Head Office in Port-Louis.

Minister Husnoo lauded MRA’s annual blood donation activity for its significant contribution to the national blood bank as well as for improving awareness on the need to donate blood.  Blood, he emphasised, is indispensable to life, and is vital for the proper functioning of the body.  He observed that blood is the most precious gift human beings can offer to each other, and that blood donation helps nurture national solidarity and strengthen community bonding.

He indicated that according to the World Health Organisation, some 112 million units of blood are collected every year from volunteers to save the life of millions of people. As far as Mauritius is concerned, he pointed out, the donation rate is around 37 per 1,000 population , which is the highest in Africa and at par with high income countries. Despite this positive trend, there is still periodical shortage of blood pints, he deplored. He indicated that on average, the national blood bank collects some 45 000 blood units while the annual need is around 55 000 blood pints.

Moreover, the Minister spoke of the life-saving role of blood transfusion to patients suffering from life-threatening conditions and underlined that the National Blood Transfusion Service ensures not only adequacy of blood supply for medical purposes, but also that safe and quality blood is provided, which are crucial for surgical procedures. 

On that note, Dr Husnoo appealed to the population to contribute to the life-saving mission by donating blood, while stressing that one does not suffer from any adverse health impacts from it, and that blood can be donated up to four times each year.

Also present on the occasion, the Director General of the MRA, Mr Sudhamo Lal, underpinned that the core objective of MRA’s intent to celebrate its anniversary each year through a blood donation activity, is to contribute to the betterment of the society. He highlighted that since its inception, the MRA has been engaged in social activities and the blood donation activity is yet another noble task that helps to save lives.  Blood is one intrinsic element that connects us all and this humanitarian endeavor, he said, allows the MRA staff members to interact closely with the public and forge bonds.

He indicated that a significant amount of logistics has been deployed this year to organise blood collect activities across the country. Moreover, the Director pointed out that the MRA has collected a total of 8,840 units of blood as at date since it started its blood donation exercise in 2007, adding that the units of blood collected each year is increasing.

The activity is being carried out simultaneously, along at the MRA Head Office, at the Custom House, Mer Rouge, the PATS Freight Forwarders Centre in Plaine Magnien, and the SSR International Airport.