The Young Christian Workers Movement (YCWM) of Christ the King Catholic Church has reaffirmed its commitment to saving lives by organising its annual blood donation exercise in partnership with health institutions, drawing dozens of voluntary donors to support the country’s urgent need for blood.

The initiative forms part of YCWM’s longstanding mission to contribute to national health efforts and encourage a culture of voluntary blood donation among the youth and wider community.

The movement has been at the forefront of this life-saving campaign for over fifteen years.
Held on Sunday, the blood donation exercise brought together parishioners and health professionals at the forecourt of Christ the King Catholic Church in Accra.

Medical staff from the 37 Military Hospital were on-site to assist donors and ensure the smooth running of the event, which saw enthusiastic participation from first-time and regular donors alike.

Speaking during the event, Flight Lieutenant Rashid Bashiru, a Medical Laboratory Scientist with the Blood Bank Department at the 37 Military Hospital, urged Ghanaians to embrace voluntary blood donation as a lifesaving civic duty.

“A single unit of donated blood can save up to three lives. Blood is essential to human survival, and donating even twice a year could save up to six lives annually,” he said in an interview with the media.

He emphasised the need for individuals to take personal responsibility in supporting the national blood supply encouraging citizens not to wait for special campaigns but to visit nearby hospitals and donate regularly.

The President of the Young Christian Workers Movement, Ms. Lucy Dzata, highlighted the group’s longstanding support for blood donation efforts adding that “for more than fifteen years, we have been organising these drives to help maintain adequate blood supplies in our hospitals. It is our way of giving back and ensuring that no life is lost due to the lack of blood.”

Some of the donors at the event shared personal motivations for participating, expressing their desire to contribute to saving lives and encouraging others to follow suit.

The YCWM continues to play a vital role in promoting health and community service in Ghana, and their partnership with the 37 Military Hospital underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in strengthening the country’s healthcare system.