University of Ghana (UG) Distance Education students have donated 104 pints of blood to the National Blood Bank.

Under the auspices of the Women’s Commissioner, the exercise saw more than 250 students who participated last week to help create awareness on the need to promote blood donation as a crucial life-saving drive.

In an interaction with JoyNews after the donation exercise, the Women’s Commissioner Naomi Abiakwah explained that the contribution of students to saving lives is important; hence, their decision to help restock the Blood Bank.

Students from other learning centres in Takoradi, Kumasi, Koforidua, Tsito and Tema joined the donation, which was followed by a mass medical screening.

“Before I assumed office, I had policies that focus on the health needs of my constituents. My Commission aspires to assist women in the area of health by providing regular health education and solutions to problems particular to women.

“This particular gave birth to the blood donation and medical screening exercise. Prior to the programme, a committee was set up to achieve this purpose,” she said.

The participants were sensitised on Covid-19 and Hepatitis ‘B’. Those who tested positive for the virus were examined and referred to the University’s Hospital and Clinic for further treatment and attention.

Some of the health conditions that were tested include malaria, hypertension, diabetes, blood group, haemoglobin level and ophthalmic conditions.

Officials from the National Blood Service, the University of Ghana Hospital and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital were present to monitor the exercise.

“I was very happy to hear students coming to me saying ‘Women’s Commissioner, please I want to donate blood’. This is because it is not easy to get relatives to donate blood for their family members when they are in a dying need of blood,” Naomi added.