Luanda - About 20 of the 46 World Health Organisation (WHO) African member countries get more than 50 percent of their bank blood from donations from relatives of interned patients, Angop learned. 

The information was released by the Africa director of the World Health Organisation, Luis Gomes Sambo, in a note addressed on the occasion of the World Blood Donor Day, June 14.

According to Luis Gomes Sambo, despite the effort and progress attained in recent years, the amount of blood obtained as mentioned still remains inadequate.

The official acknowledged the progress made in the African Region since the adoption of the regional strategy for blood safety in 2001.

According to him, many countries have designed policies and plans to ensure an adequate supply of safe blood through improved recruitment of donors, blood testing, appropriate clinical use and quality systems.

 
After mentioning the blood borne diseases like anaemia and bleeding complications during childbirth, traffic accidents and others, Luis Sambo said this shows the extent of the need of the region.

According to him, the World Blood Donor Day provides an opportunity to draw public attention to the importance of blood donation to save lives.

The theme for the celebration this year is "Every blood donor is a hero."