Sister Asegash Gosa is a dedicated mother who plays a vital role in education and mobilization at the Ethiopian Blood and Tissue Bank Service (EBTBS). Her efforts extend beyond mobilization as she actively raised awareness about the importance of blood donation within her community.
What sets Sister Asegash apart from other donors is her unwavering commitment. She donates blood regularly, demonstrating remarkable endurance and dedication. Recently, she completed her 120th blood donation, expressing that her generosity extends beyond blood. In addition to donating blood, she has pledged to donate her corneas after her death, hoping to bring light to those who have lost their sight.
Yesterday, the EBTBS celebrated the 21st World Blood and Cornea Donors Day under the theme “Give the Gift of Life and Sight: Donate Blood, Donate Cornea,” aimed at increasing both blood and cornea donations.
In her opening speech, Health Minister Mekides Daba (PhD) emphasized the significance of blood and eye tissue donations, calling them invaluable gifts that cannot be sold or exchanged.
Mekides underscored that voluntary blood donations are crucial for a wide range of patients, including those in emergency situations, mothers and infants, and individuals battling cancer. The Minister also highlighted that such acts of generosity reflect the spirit of community and collaboration among people.
EBTBS General Director Ashenafi Tazebew (PhD) highlighted several challenges hindering cornea donations, including a lack of public awareness and a severe shortage of specialized medical professionals. To address these issues and enhance treatment facilities, he urged the government to prioritize the expansion of this sector and called on the Ministry of Education and other relevant bodies to focus on increasing the number of professionals.
Despite these hurdles, the EBTBS has shown progress in cornea collection. In the current fiscal year, the EBTBS planned to collect 232 corneas but successfully collected 303, exceeding its target. Ashenafi further stated that over 15,000 individuals have so far pledged to donate their corneas after death, aspiring to bring light to others.
In his remarks, EBTBS Deputy Director Habitamu Taye mentioned that the Service also faces significant challenges in blood collection. While the EBTBS aimed to collect 384,773 units of blood over the past nine months, only 38,595 units were collected. He stated that Ethiopia should ideally collect one million units of blood annually, but so far, only 500,000 units have been secured.
The Minister stressed the importance of modernizing and adequately resourcing blood banks. She also made a fervent appeal, stating that no mother should die due to a lack of blood during childbirth. She further stated that to ensure a reliable and continuous blood supply during both manmade and natural disasters, the community must continue their voluntary blood donations without interruption.
Ashenafi noted that many individuals who donate blood once do not maintain the habit of donating every three months, which leads to a persistent supply shortage. “We need permanent blood donors,” he emphasized.
Moreover, the EBTBS awarded certificates of appreciation and recognition to voluntary institutions and individuals who have consistently donated blood, including Sister Asegash. Finally, Sister Asegash urges everyone to consider donating blood during their lifetime and to pledge their corneas after passing, reinforcing the spirit of altruism and community support.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 17 JUNE 2025
