Kota Kinabalu: The public perception towards blood donation is still that of pessimism, said State Health Department Director, Dr Maria Suleiman.
She said although many people understand the critical role of blood donation campaigns in saving lives, it continue to receive lukewarm response.
“The acceptance of blood donation among local communities remains low compared to developed countries, as many individuals find various reasons to avoid donating blood,” she said.
“Awareness of the importance of blood donation has yet to fully take root in our society’s culture.”
Dr Maria made these remarks during the launch of the “Ansara Annual Statewide Pre-Ramadan Blood Donation Campaign Sabah Chapter” (ABDC25 Sabah Chapter) at ITCC Shopping Mall on Feb 22.
Her speech was delivered by Head of Transfusion Medicine for Sabah, Dr Shahnaz Irwani Sabri.
She also highlighted that Sabah requires between 7,000 and 8,000 pints of blood annually, with a daily demand of 200 to 300 pints to meet the State’s needs.
However, she stated that blood collection in Sabah only accounts for 2.2pc of the eligible donor population, which remains significantly low.
Dr Maria also pointed out that Sabah has the highest number of thalassemia patients in Malaysia, and these individuals require monthly blood transfusions to sustain their lives.
“Without blood transfusions, they cannot grow normally and may suffer from complications due to their bone marrow’s inability to produce normal red blood cells,” she explained.
“We need to cultivate a culture of blood donation within our communities, as donating blood is a social responsibility.”
Therefore, blood banks across Sabah must ensure a consistent and sufficient blood supply to meet patients’ needs.
Despite the challenges, Dr Maria expressed gratitude that more organisations are stepping forward to correct public misconceptions about blood donation.
“Among those who have helped the Ministry of Health Malaysia in changing public perception are organizations that tirelessly conduct blood donation campaigns to support blood banks nationwide, including Ansara,” she said.
“With continuous efforts like these, public acceptance is gradually shifting, as blood donation is a noble act that saves lives.”
The Ansara Sabah Chapter, in collaboration with the State Health Department, the Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine QE2, and the Sabah Transfusion Medicine Services, is launching the ABDC25 Sabah Chapter.
This initiative – supported by the Malaysia Relief Agency (MRA) Sabah Branch and various other partners – will take place across eight districts in Sabah, namely Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Kudat, Ranau and Keningau.
The nationwide campaign will be officiated by the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri bin Abu Bakar, on Feb 23, and will include events across these eight districts.
