Thirty-one voluntary blood donors from Bombali District were celebrated for their life-saving contributions during a ceremony at the Makeni Wusum Stadium. Organized by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AISPO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the event marked National Voluntary Blood Donors Day and the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day.

Notable honorees included Alhaji Osman Jalloh, with an impressive 61 donations, Martin Lamin Kotay with 55, and Mohamed Lamin Bangura and Ibrahim Sorie Koroma, each contributing 54 times. The remaining donors were recognized for donating at least 18 times.

The ceremony, attended by senior health officials such as Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mustapha Kabba and AISPO representative Dr. Frederico Chiodi, praised the donors for their impact, particularly in assisting pregnant women, who are among the main beneficiaries of blood donations in Sierra Leone.

“These donors are true patriots,” said Dr. Kabba. “Their efforts are critical to improving maternal and child health and transforming our healthcare system.” He pledged to advocate for special facilities to support donors and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare initiatives.

Awardees expressed gratitude for the recognition and urged more community members to participate in blood donation efforts. They also called on the Ministry of Health and its partners to expand support for blood donation programs to ensure sustainability and growth.

The event underscored the importance of voluntary blood donors in addressing healthcare challenges and saving lives. Speakers encouraged Sierra Leoneans to embrace blood donation as an act of solidarity and a contribution to public health.