By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) of Cameroon is ramping up efforts to educate and motivate citizens to donate blood freely, with the aim of saving lives. This initiative was prominently featured on March 6 in Yaoundé, in the lead-up to the celebrations for International Women’s Day 2025.
At the Ministry of Public Health, NBTS officials actively engaged with the public, raising awareness about the critical importance of blood donation. Many individuals were seen preparing to give blood, demonstrating a strong community spirit.
Efoudou Simi, one of the donors, expressed his commitment to helping those in need. “I prefer to give blood because many people in hospitals rely on it to survive. This is an opportunity to save lives,” he said. He encouraged fellow Cameroonians to join this noble cause, emphasizing, “Saving a life is incredibly important. We all have a responsibility to contribute, and it feels good to help others.”
Mamadjam Hamawa, a communicator at the NBTS, highlighted that events like this are essential for raising awareness and promoting blood donation. “In preparation for the 2025 Women’s Day celebration, we organized various activities, including a roundtable discussion on the role of women in societal education, guided tours, and a sports walk,” she noted.
“Our main focus during this period has been to educate and sensitize the public about the importance of blood donation. We set up two donation sites and have already collected over 50 sachets. We hope even more Cameroonians will come forward,” Hamawa added.
The NBTS was launched in Cameroon on December 5, 2013, following a Prime Ministerial order issued on March 18, 2013. Its primary mission is to produce blood products and ensure safe transfusions to meet the increasing demand nationwide. The organization is dedicated to key functions such as blood collection, testing, and distribution.
During the 7th ordinary session of the management committee held on February 6, 2025, in Yaoundé, it was revealed that the current budget of FCFA 900 million is inadequate for the institution’s activities and to ensure quality blood services for all Cameroonians.
Chairing the discussions on the budget, Prof. Tetanye Ekoe, chairperson of the Management Committee of the NBTS, urged the government, donors, and partners to enhance their efforts to meet the ambitious target of 400,000 pints of blood annually.
Despite budgetary constraints, Prof. Dora Ngum Shu Mbanya, the NBTS General Manager, expressed optimism about the steady progress made over the years, highlighting the importance of continued support to fulfill the organization’s vital mission.
As the NBTS continues its campaign, it stands committed to enhancing public awareness about blood donation, fostering a culture of giving that can save countless lives in Cameroon.
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