EXIM BANK HOSTS BLOOD DONATION DRIVE

Some of Exim Bank Tanzania staff donate blood during the bank’s annual blood donation campaign in a bid to assist in replenishing the blood supply in the country as part of the bank’s commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day that was celebrated worldwide on Tuesday. From right is the bank’s Head of Treasury, George Shumbusho and Head of Retail Banking, Rahul Singh. Attending to them is National Blood Transfusion Services’ (NBTS) Officer, Allen Ligonga.

Some of Exim Bank Tanzania staff and customers donate blood during the bank’s annual blood donation campaign in a bid to assist in replenishing the blood supply in the country as part of the bank’s commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day that was celebrated worldwide on Tuesday. From right is the bank’s Assistant Manager Customer Service, Ally Mandai. Attending to them is National Blood Transfusion Services’ (NBTS) Officer, Allen Ligonga.

Dar es Salaam: June 14, 2016: In response to the shortage of blood supply in the country, Exim Bank Tanzania yesterday hosted a 1-day blood donation drive for the employees, customers and other volunteers as part of the bank’s commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day that was celebrated worldwide. Prior to this, Exim Bank ran a social media and internal campaign with the aim of educating the public and Exim employees respectively, on the importance of donating blood and how safe it is unlike many wide spread myths about blood donation.

The theme of this year's World Blood Donor Day is "Blood connects us all". It focuses on thanking blood donors and highlights the dimension of "sharing" and "connection" between blood donors and patients.

Employees and customers of Exim Bank from various branches and departments volunteered to be blood donors at the make-shift blood donation camp that was set up at the Bank’s headquarters and managed by the National Blood Transfusion Services’ (NBTS). Exim Bank has now been participating in annual commemoration of Blood Donation Day for 6 years; each year organizing blood donation drive. Last year Exim bank raised 70 units of blood from voluntary donors. 70 employees and its customers participated in the exercise.

Exim Bank Tanzania Head Human Resources, Mr. Frederick Kanga, thanked all who donated blood and said: “Your contribution has helped to make a positive difference in the community and particularly in sustaining human life. Donating blood is a noble way to serve humanity and it touches the lives of many people, especially those who are in critical need of blood.”

He added, “Participating in such a life-saving community cause heightens our sense of social responsibility. We are proud to engage with NBTS by hosting a blood drive for our employees, customers and other volunteers. This reflects on Exim Bank’s strong community values, and promotes good health and well being in general.”

According to Mr. Kanga, the bank is committed to supporting social, educational and charitable activities aimed at reinforcing the importance of participating in such noble social causes while building a sense of citizenship, belonging and community responsibility.

Staffs from NBTS were on hand all day to ensure that participating donors were carefully pre-screened to meet strict donors’ criteria in accordance with international blood donating standards. They also handed out educational brochures and leaflets to raise more awareness to the public about the value of their life-saving gift of blood. The NBTS team assured staff participating in the blood drive that the donation process is very safe, and also monitored donors afterwards to ensure their safety.

Speaking after the exercise, NBTS Mobilization and Public Education Officer, Ms Fatuma Mujungu said most people would usually wait until a family member has the need for blood before they even consider donating.

“I call upon more Tanzanians to emulate Exim Bank’s move by coming forth and supporting this noble cause so as to leave a positive impact by saving lives. Currently the number of blood donors remains low as opposed to the actual demand,” said Ms. Fatuma.

Exim Bank extends appreciation to National Blood Transfusion Services’ (NBTS) its staff members, customers and Volunteers for the support they have shown in making Exim Bank’s blood donation drive successful every year. The Bank also values the support of Exim staffs, our esteemed customers and all other volunteers who made the exercise successful.