THE IMPORTANCE of maintaining a stable blood supply has never been more apparent as Western Visayas grapples with a surge in dengue cases.
In recent weeks, the Department of Health (DOH) has been vigilantly monitoring blood banks across the region, as the demand for blood products like whole blood, packed red blood cells, and platelet concentrate has escalated due to the increasing number of dengue patients. These are lives that depend significantly on the availability of blood donations.
Dengue often requires complex medical interventions, particularly when it advances to severe stages such as dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. In these critical conditions, patients may experience severe bleeding and shock, necessitating urgent blood transfusions to replenish lost blood and stabilize hemoglobin levels. The current health data is worrisome: as of the last count on August 26, Western Visayas had 582 units of whole blood, 1,001 units of packed red blood cells, and 101 units of platelet concentrate. While these may seem adequate at a glance, the relentless rise in dengue cases — a staggering 199 percent increase compared to last year — places a continuous strain on these resources.
The region has done commendably well in managing its blood supplies thus far, but the situation remains precarious. Community participation in sustaining these vital reserves cannot be overstressed. Every unit of blood donated not only has the potential to save up to three lives but also serves as a critical buffer during health emergencies. The need for blood is universal but access to blood for all who need it is not. Blood cannot be manufactured; it must be given generously by healthy individuals.
There is thus a profound need for a renewed focus on community blood drives and donor recruitment campaigns. Local government units, in collaboration with the DOH and non-governmental organizations, must intensify efforts to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation. Hospitals and local health centers could host regular donation camps, ensuring that donating blood is as convenient and safe as possible for the general public.
This is a call to action not just to individuals but to all sectors of society in Western Visayas. Companies, educational institutions, religious groups, and civic organizations must come forward and play their part in creating a culture of regular, voluntary blood donation. We need to establish more robust networks of regular donors, who are ready to respond not just during crises but as a routine act of community solidarity.
The spirit of bayanihan is our most effective tool in ensuring no life is lost for want of blood.
