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Days after Morocco announced a series of preventive measures to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus, several sectors and facilities in the Kingdom have seen their work schedules and priorities change.
Blood transfusion centers in Morocco have also seen their activities impacted by the global outbreak and the preventive measures that have forced several Moroccans to think twice before going out to donate their blood.
«On Tuesday, we have noticed that the number of blood donors in Morocco has dropped», due to the restrictions that followed the announcement of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country, Mohamed Benajiba, director of the National Center for Blood Transfusion, told Yabiladi on Wednesday.
«Only 600 donors were recorded yesterday on the national level, while normally the average number is 800», he explained. Reassuring the public, the official indicated that despite this drop, which was anticipated, the current blood stock «can cover seven days ahead from today».
To secure a sufficient blood stock, blood transfusion centers in Morocco have taken a series of measures. According to Benajiba, a crisis unit has been set up to monitor the situation amid the coronavirus outbreak.
«We have urged clinics and hospitals to regulate blood consumption», he reported, adding that «blood donor associations, the national security directorate and other partners were contacted to launch blood donation campaigns» during these difficult days.
«The Health Ministry has advised health facilities to encourage patients’ families to donate blood and invite others around them to do the same», Benajiba said.
Donations must continue
«Globally, no state has stopped donating blood under these circumstances. That said, citizens should be aware that there are patients who need their help», stressed the official, adding that «donations must continue».
To secure blood supply under these circumstances, blood transfusion centers in Morocco have implemented a series of sanitary measures that comply with the ones announced by the authorities since the outbreak.
«We had to reduce block collections outside the centers as much as possible, advising donors to visit our facilities, where a number of preventive measures have been implemented», Benajiba explained.
«We have also extended our opening hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the possibility of working until 9 p.m», he said, adding «for the samples, we have taken every precaution to ensure the safety of our staff and that of blood donors».
«Once at the center, donors are asked to wash their hands and are provided with hand sanitizers. To donate, they have to undergo fever checks and answer questions about their recent travels and contacts», he stressed.
«We are trying to adapt to the situation so that donors continue to visit the centers and donate their blood, and so that we can also contribute to raising awareness among citizens», concluded Benajiba, urging Moroccans to think of their fellow citizens in need of their donations.
