Cameroonian blogger, entrepreneur and activist, Bandy Kiki has launched the Red Campaign with the aim of creating more awareness on blood donation and its benefits, especially on human lives.
The RED CAMPAIGN, scheduled for February 13 to March 13, 2020, is under the patronage of the Regional Hospital Bamenda and in partnership with rural doctors, young mothers initiative, Henriette Thatcher’s Lounge, Dcodedtv TV and Asek Arts.
“Lack of or delay in timely administration (blood transfusion) of blood has contributed to preventable deaths. However, access to safe blood for patients in need of blood transfusion therapy remains a major problem in Cameroon due to the challenge of blood shortage. One of the main reasons why health systems are experiencing blood shortage in Cameroon is the fact that many people are reluctant to donate blood for many reasons, including the fear of getting transmissible infections and lack of emotional appeal,” Kiki Bandy explains in a press release [February 13].
The Ministry of Health reports that only 90,000 pints are donated annually, far short of the 400,000 required. The few donors who donate usually give blood only when family or friends need a transfusion (directed donation).
In Cameroon, blood and blood products are indispensable within health care service delivery systems because of their contribution in saving the lives of patients who have lost blood through surgery, haemorrhage, labour and injury or in situations in which the body is unable to produce sufficient blood due to an illness.
Objectives
- Understand and collect data on the perception of people about blood donation.
- Address issues related to these perceptions.
- Use both conventional channels (outreach in schools, churches, markets) and social media to emotionally appeal to people to donate blood.
- Use both conventional channels (outreach in schools, churches, markets) and social media to create awareness about blood donation and its benefits.
- Rally up volunteers to donate blood the RED CAMPAIGN timeline.
Expected outcome;
- 2 million people are educated on blood donation and its benefits.
- Collect 200 pints of blood from donors.
Activities
- Social media campaign
- Outreach in schools, churches and market
- Educative Radio talks
- Mobile Blood Donation Clinics (Locations to be announced soon.
