By Morlu Freeman Sr., Lofa County Correspondent
The National Blood Safety Program (NBSP), operating under the Ministry of Health, has officially handed over blood collected during its recent donation campaign to local health authorities.
The beneficiaries include the Lofa County Health Team and the administration of Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital.
The handover ceremony took place at Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital and was attended by key stakeholders, including Rev. James T. Korboi, Chairman of the Hospital’s Board of Directors; Mr. Roland Gobeh of the County Dynosis Office (C.D.O); a representative from the Office of the City Mayor; as well as hospital administrators and staff.
Leading the NBSP delegation, Mr. Moses Dowee expressed profound gratitude to the Lofa County Superintendent’s office, local authorities, the health team, hospital staff, media, and the general public for supporting this crucial initiative.
He acknowledged the challenges the NBSP faces in other counties and underscored the life-saving importance of blood donations in reducing preventable deaths due to delays in transfusions.
Rev. Korboi praised the NBSP team for launching what he described as the first comprehensive blood collection effort of its kind in Voinjama. He called for sustained collaboration and ongoing support for similar health-centered initiatives.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Francis Eague Lansana, Development Superintendent of Lofa County, thanked the Ministry of Health and highlighted the urgent need for public awareness campaigns. He emphasized that educating the public about the blood donation process is essential to dispel myths and prevent the misinterpretation of medical procedures by patients and caregivers.
Speaking on behalf of the Lofa County Health Team, Dr. Moses U. Weidehgar, and Mr. Marcus Sepu, who also serve as the County’s Community Health Services Supervisor (CHSS), recommended that CHSS personnel take the lead in educating communities about blood donation.
They advised incorporating these messages into routine health talks at clinics and hospitals to foster public trust and understanding of the healthcare system.
The week-long blood drive resulted in the successful delivery of 60 pounds of blood to Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital, which is expected to meet the facility’s needs for approximately 35 days.
Additional supplies were also distributed to Kolahun Hospital and Foya Boma Hospital, expanding the campaign’s impact across Lofa County.
