Sources at the Bamenda Regional Hospital reveals since 2018 till date there has been an increased demand for blood transfusion. This, as a result of the ongoing crisis in the Anglophone regions have cause many to run for safety in other parts of the country.
According to the Chief of Centre at the blood bank, Mr Ako Atabong, close to 3000 units of blood needed for over 500,000 inhabitants in the region have been transferred compared to the 5000 units of blood needed. This puts them on a blood demand deficit. “This indicates the blood bank doesn’t supply sufficient blood required by the population”, he said with regret.
The hospital’s blood bank for some time now have been relying on blood from missionaries, solidarity organizations and persons of good will. This is as a result of the insecurity currently plaguing the region, as he said his office can easily get access to blood donors if security is ensured.
“With security, blood donors can move freely to the hospital and will feel safe. That way, we can organize mobile collections that will create constant blood supply at the hospital. We also need to increase the awareness of blood donation in the region and country as a whole, so the community can understand the need for blood”, he added.
It is said, blood is life, and there is fear that the situation in the hospital might get worse as the crisis continues. As the crisis intensifies everyday many lives are endangered. The Bamenda regional Hospital blood bank provides emergency assistance to pregnant women with hemorrhage, sickle cell patients, cases of accidents and victims of the ongoing armed conflict in the region.
It is known that many lives have been lost in the North West and South West regions as a result of the battle between the government military and the separatist fighters with record of death every day.
