| Promotion of voluntary blood donation in Maharashtra state |
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Page 1 of 3 Blood transfusion services have gained significant importance and momentum in view of HIV infection. The efficacy of transmission of HIV through blood and blood products is 100% and screening of the blood for HIV can eliminate this mode of transmission to a large extent. There are also other diseases which can be transmitted through blood which can be addressed as Transfusion Transmitted Diseases (T.T.D) They are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Malaria, Syphilis. The ultimate aim of blood banks and transfusion services is to provide safe blood. Blood can be made safe by the following ways:
In a historical judgment Supreme Court of India, banned buying and selling of blood with effect from 1st January 98. Hence it is imperative to make available safe blood. As a result voluntary donation of blood should be promoted in the community. The efforts are in progress to improve the percentage of voluntary blood donation in the State. By the end of December 1998, blood collection by voluntary donation has improved to 46% from 38% in 1997. To achieve 100% voluntary donation by 2010 A.D. it is necessary to prepare an action plan and make concerted efforts by the health administrators as well as by the community. There is a need for long programming so that voluntary blood donation becomes a public movement and life style of the younger generation. Thus there is a need for launching an Intensive voluntary blood donation campaign in the state. ACTION PLAN:The action plan comprises of mass as well as person to person communication to improve the knowledge, attitude and behavioural practices regarding blood donation. Mass Media CampaignTo make voluntary blood donation programme as people’s movement, it is essential to give wide publicity of this activity through all available mass media channels such as Newspapers, T.V, City cable channels, Radio etc. so that the Importance of blood donations, requirement of blood, collection from voluntary donors and transfusion transmitted diseases and the use of safe blood is understood by the people. The messages related to this, should be highlighted in the local languages on Radio, T.V. and through Print media. The celebreties from film, sports, political field and renowned social workers need to be involved to trigger the messages to the community through T.V. spots. These messages be released throughout the year. i. SLOGANS ON BLOOD DONATION This is one of the methods of mass communication. The slogans like "Rakthdaan jeevandaan" ( hindi for give blood, give life) may be displayed or painted on the prominent places in bold red letter with yellow background ( size 1 x 2 meters) The paintings should attract the readers, specially youths. ii. DISPLAY OF CINE SLIDESStill today, a large part of population go to the theaters, especially the younger generation. It is observed that during intermission 50% of the people are present in the hall. The display of cine slides, with triggering messages on blood donation will definitely motivate people for voluntary donation. This can be a routine activity round the year. Special request can be made to the managers for exhibiting the slides before starting the movie for which a letter can be sent from District Collector to the President of the Theaters’ Association. Organising Marathon Race, Bicycle Race, RallyFor the Involvement of prospective donors it is necessary to sensitise High Schools & Jr. College students with the help of High School and College students rallies, marathon and bicycle races can be organised on special days. The cooperation of the sports officers can be sought. Before starting the rallies a lecture on blood donation and its importance can be told to the students. Blood grouping of the students also can be done. The list of participants alongwith their blood group can be retained and used as prospective donors. Essay & Quiz CompetitionsSchool and college students form a core group for this activity and need to be actively involved in this activity. Essay and quiz on blood donation can be organised. Through this activity we will be able to know their knowledge about blood donation. This will help in finding out thrust areas which can help in preparing the lEC material exclusively for students who are the prospective donors. Blood grouping of the participants can also be done and the list of participants along with their blood group can be preserved by the institutions. Participation of women’s groupThe available data shows that only 3.5% are female donors in the state. Whereas female donor’s percentage is 8% in A’bad, 20% in Chandigarh & 40% in Thailand. 95% of the blood collected in the voluntary donation camps is usually from youths, whereas 50-56% of the blood is being utilized for female patients (A’bad division study). This information will definitely make women to think and act. They may come forward to participate in blood donation drive.
Lady Giants, Leo, Rotary Clubs and Women’s organisations/groups in Industrial Houses have their regular meetings. During these meetings doctors can sensitise ladies on blood donation and can apprise them what role they can play in this noble cause. The lady members can work not only as volunteers during blood camps but also can be good motivators and camp organisers. Once ladies take initiative, the entire community is galvanized for the cause. Blood Bank Society of Chandigarh has 68% female members.
“RANGOLI” competitions on blood donation theme can be organised in Ladies colleges, Mahila Mandals and Ladies clubs. If a single female student or worker becomes a donor, her entire family can be motivated, as females are the best motivators in the family. Coordination between health institutions and NGOs specially women groups is important. This will help in preparing an exclusive female donors as well as motivators directory. Such an experiment is done in Aurangabad. The response is tremendous. |
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