Kamuzu Central Hospital appeals for blood for cancer children
The Paediatric Cancer Department at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe is in need of blood to help save the lives of children with cancer.
Medical Director for Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at KCH, Steve Martin, said the department does not have enough blood for use when assisting patients.
“We have a huge need and many times we never have enough blood for patients. We have 20 to 30 percent of what we need. So, the blood banks are absolutely critical to help save children’s lives,” he said.
“Let every Malawian support the needs of our children and, through blood donation, give them the opportunity to survive and have a healthy life.”
He made the appeal when Lions Club International organized a blood donation exercise, in collaboration with Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS), to support the department.
Zone Chairperson for Lions Club, Stewart Munthali, expressed commitment to supporting the hospital and ensure that children get the treatment they need.
“From 2017… we dedicated paediatric cancer as one of the areas to assist [in]. We had several consultations with the cancer department at KCH and among the needs that they have and the most immediate is blood donation— knowing that cancer patients require blood for treatment,” he said
Munthali said the club would continue supporting the department in areas such as equipment and food supplements.
MBTS Public Relations Assistant, Upile Kaimvi, confirmed failure by the organisation to meet targets in the provision of blood to hospitals.
“Our mandate is to provide enough blood to our hospitals. We are not meeting our targets because people are still not donating [blood],” she said.
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