The Algerian National Blood Agency (ANS) celebrated National Blood Donors Day on Tuesday in Algiers, coinciding with the 48th anniversary of the establishment of the Algerian Federation of Blood Donors (FADS), founded on October 25, 1976.
The event served as “an opportunity to honor those who save lives through their noble act and ensure a sufficient and safe blood supply,” stated Houria Touafdit, Director General of ANS, during the celebration.
She emphasized that blood donation is “governed by specific regulations and ethical rules regarding volunteering and altruism,” noting that 354,572 blood bags were collected during the first half of this year, representing a 5.49% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
However, she remarked that these quantities are still “insufficient,” with 43% of donations being compensatory (from family and acquaintances), 70% occurring at fixed sites, and 30% coming from mobile units.
Touafdit also praised the commitment of various partners of the Agency, including the associative movement, particularly FADS, state institutions, security bodies, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the media.
Meanwhile, Sayah Abdelmalek, president of FADS and the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations (FIODS), pointed out that the Blood Transfusion Center (CTS) at Mustapha Pacha University Hospital has long been a reference point in Africa and has trained many doctors from across the continent.
Describing blood donors as the “central link in this activity,” he deemed the national average of 15 donors per 1,000 inhabitants as “insufficient,” calling for more volunteers to “meet the growing needs of the expanding population.”
Additionally, representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Djamaa El-Djazair highlighted the religious, humanitarian, and civilizational significance of blood donation, emphasizing the importance of “establishing and promoting this culture for the benefit of the community.”
On this symbolic day, recognition awards were presented to the current president of FADS, his predecessor Kaddour Gherbi, several blood donors, and the 58 committees of the Federation.
