Barentu — The Health Ministry's branch in Gash-Barka region indicated that sufficient community awareness as regards blood donation is a key factor in maintaining stable Blood Bank through voluntary donors. It made the statement at a seminar conducted in Barentu city during which several issues were discussed in connection with blood donation.

Mr. Mekonen Tesfagiorgis, head of information and promotion division at the National Blood Bank, pointed out that it is striving to ensure ample blood supply to health institutions nationwide, and that such venture is directly related to reducing mortality rate. He also said that blood donation is a charitable norm involving psychic satisfaction, and called on citizens to become volunteers in this regard.

Dr. Le'ul Banteyirga, head of the branch office, said that the seminar is timely as it was conducted at a time when the National Blood Bank is exerting endeavors to open branch in the region, and called on the participants to play significant role to this end.