By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone—In a remarkable gesture aimed at saving lives and celebrating voluntary blood donation, Connaught Hospital will host over 60 voluntary blood donors from the Desmond Lewis Voluntary Blood Donors Foundation on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the hospital’s main blood bank.
The foundation was established to honor the legacy of Mr. Desmond Lewis, Sierra Leone’s highest blood donor, who has generously donated over 100 units of blood in his lifetime. According to the foundation’s Secretary-General, Mr. Patrick Massaquoi, the group was formed to recognize and celebrate the commitment of national voluntary blood donors. “Over fifty voluntary blood donors came together to honor our leader, Mr. Lewis, in this way,” Massaquoi explained.
The blood donation event is being sponsored by Connaught Hospital’s management, demonstrating their support for the foundation’s mission. Massaquoi noted that the hospital has provided food, water, drinks, and transportation refunds for participating donors, reinforcing their dedication to the cause.
Mr. Philip Kamara, manager of the Connaught Blood Bank, emphasized the significance of the blood drive, stating, “The essence of this event is to ensure the hospital has an adequate supply of blood to save lives. The foundation is a vibrant group of regular blood donors who selflessly save lives without expecting any rewards.”
Kamara also highlighted Connaught Hospital’s recent improvements to the blood bank, including clearing a garbage site near the facility and replacing it with solar batteries, underscoring the management’s commitment to better healthcare infrastructure.
One of the foundation’s prominent donors, Yalia Kamara, expressed her gratitude for the hospital’s trust and support. She affirmed that over sixty voluntary donors would be participating in Saturday’s blood drive to save lives. “Blood donation is everyone’s responsibility. If more family and friends join in, we can eliminate commercial blood donation entirely,” she said.
This blood donation campaign not only showcases the foundation’s unwavering commitment to voluntary blood donation but also sets an inspiring example of how communities and institutions can come together to address critical healthcare needs. With continuous support from dedicated donors and proactive management, initiatives like these will ensure a brighter and healthier future for Sierra Leone.