By XINHUA More by this AuthorNairobiCountries must invest in robust infrastructure and public awareness campaigns to boost donation of safe blood and strengthen the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, a senior World Health Organisation (WHO) official said on Sunday during the World Blood Donor Day. WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti said that governments should roll out incentives that promote the donation of safe blood amid shortages of the commodity during Covid-19 pandemic. "In the Covid-19 pandemic, the supply of safe blood is at risk. Regular blood donation drives are being postponed, and stay-at-home orders and fear of infection are preventing donors from accessing services," said Moeti. She said the pandemic presents African countries with an opportunity to improve their national blood donation services and ensure they collect, process and store Covid-19 convalescent plasma in a safe manner.

Source: Daily Nation June 15, 2020 02:37 UTC