Mec for Health Mr Brian Hlongwa Speech at the Opening of South African National Blood Services Maponya Mall Clinic, Soweto
16 May 2008
Programme Director:
It is an honour for me to be invited on behalf of government to this official opening of the South African National Blood Services Clinic.The very fact that you have taken a conscious decision to locate your services in Soweto is a testament to your efforts at transforming the perceptions about your organization.
Programme Director:
It is undeniable that the services that you provide in the health sector are invaluable. These services include availing blood and blood products.Beneficiaries of these services include, among others:
We are therefore committed to encouraging our people to donate blood freely without expecting any compensation.Our fore-bearers inspired us to believe in the doctrine of ubuntu . It is therefore appropriate that we put this spirit of ubuntu in practice by donating blood that will be used by those we do not know and those who are dear to us in their hour of need.
We are also upbeat because the theme for this year is "Many happy returns" and the message is "Giving blood regularly".We therefore welcome this partnership with SANBS, because our quest is to save lives, particularly those of previously disadvantaged and the poor in particular.
Programme Director;
The World Health Organisation has outlined guidelines on donating blood and included the following categories of people with the following conditions among others:
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Being HIV positive and AIDS or hepatitis viruses
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Pregnant women
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Women who have just given birth
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Person who visited a malaria infected zone
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History of sexually transmitted infections
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Had a recent change of sexual partner; or
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Any serious medical condition.
I am highlighting these conditions so that people fully understand exclusions so that they will not feel offended or discriminated in case they don't meet these criteria
The call to involve young people in particular in your campaign at schools and universities to donate blood will build a sustainable pool of donors who can possibly commit themselves to become life-time blood donors.Government supports this programme because we also have a very high number of trauma cases that are attended to, at our hospitals.
Some of these trauma cases undoubtedly require blood and blood products. We will continue to partner with you to ensure that safe blood is supplied to our patients when they are at their most vulnerable state.
Our government supports these campaigns, particularly at times when you (SANBS) appeal to blood donors in the media to come forward and give "the precious gift of life".
Our Department will assist by creating a conducive environment for SANBS to collect blood, including efforts to extend its blood collection service in areas where these services are non-existent.
Programme Director:
We will not tire in our efforts to support SANBS in its endeavour to transform all its facets to ensure the organisation is accessible, friendly and treats all South Africans equally, irrespective of race, colour, gender, creed, religion.
This includes our preparedness to partner with you in programmes that seek to dispel perceptions about blood donation to ensure that there is sufficient safe blood for all patients.We will continue to assist you in spreading the messages of responsible sexual behaviour among young people to ensure that they become safe blood donors.
I would like to express my sincerely gratitude to you for inviting me, and your efforts for targeting areas which were previously marginalised.That includes your efforts in targeting sections such as youth who holds the keys for a better future South Africa.
I thank you.
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