EFS calls on blood donors of all origins
It’s a first. From November 15 to 21, 2021, theFrench blood establishment (EFS) is organizing a rare blood awareness week intended to highlight this public health issue. In Toulouse, a specific collection is organized on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 November at the Maison du don Lapeyrouse, in partnership with the association SOS Globi Occitanie.
What does the term “rare blood” mean?
There are not only blood groups A, B, O and Rhesus + and -. The diversity of blood groups is much greater and varies according to our genes. For good reason, they are genetically transmitted. In some geographic areas, certain blood groups are present in large numbers while others are lacking. “Thus, in France, 250 rare blood groups are listed and on esteem at 700,000 people carrying a rare songยป, Indicates the French Blood Establishment.
According to the EFS, donors ofAfrican and Caribbean origin are more likely to have a particular blood type wanted for transfusion in our country. However, Afro-Caribbean phenotypes concern lessone in 4,000 people in France. This is why the term “rare bloods” is used. “To effectively treat all patients by producing blood products as close as possible to their blood characteristics, it is essential that the diversity of converters reflects that of the patients”, justifies the ESF.
A week of awareness
Through its rare blood awareness week, EFS calls for regular participation of “all donors and in particular that of donors of African or Caribbean origin“. The establishment reminds that blood donations must be regular and constant, because the shelf life of blood products is limited. There are seven days for platelets and 42 days for red blood cells.”10,000 donations are needed every day. Take an hour to save three lives “, demands the EFS. Note that to reduce the waiting time and better manage the care of donors, the EFS welcomes on appointment.
In Toulouse, SOS Globi Occitanie, an association to help sickle cell and beta-thalassemia patients, will participate in this campaign at the local level on Friday and Saturday. The objective will be to aware of donors and a maximum of donations of these specific types. Cynthia Houenassi, member of the association, will be present on Saturday. “We will go out to meet people of Afro-Caribbean origin in order to make them aware of the cause.” He added: “Actions have already been taken with students as well as on our social networks”. These initiatives seem to have borne fruit. A sixty dates have already been taken, even if it is half of the objective set by the association.