Most blood donations are direct replacement donations (where people donate blood for a family member or friend). Approximately 65 per cent of the blood donations are given to children under five years of age and pregnant women who suffer birth complications. Meanwhile, there is a constant need for blood donations due to major shortfalls in the supply of blood across most countries in the continent. Retaining young donors is considered to be especially important because they are more willing to donate blood than older persons. Repeat donors enable blood services to plan ahead as their sources can be asked to donate blood at specific times, assisting the blood service to maintain a reliable and cost-efficient blood supplyThe Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted these blood drives as schools and universities were shut down.

Source: The Star June 16, 2021 01:52 UTC