“A woman had brought her child from the village to the district hospital, seeking blood.
Stranded without local connections, they were in dire need.”

Eyad’s Story

I am the fourth son of my father, one of five sons and two daughters. I hold a deep affection for my younger brother and immense respect for my elder siblings.

Throughout his childhood, my younger brother frequently found himself confined to a sickbed. Every time he was admitted to the hospital, my mother would return home in tears, repeating the word “blood!! blood!!” The first time I witnessed this, I was perplexed, wondering what blood had to do with his illness. Yet, seeing the anguish on my mother’s tearful face and the evident concern in my father’s expression, I realized it was a grave matter. My father became occupied with arranging assistance, which further puzzled me, as I struggled to comprehend the situation. After a week, my younger brother was discharged from the hospital. I often overheard neighbors inquiring, “How many bottles of blood did you consume?” Although the question wasn’t directed at me, its premise disturbed me deeply—how could a human consume blood?

This occurrence repeated several times, always centered around the same issue: “blood, blood.” The last incident occurred during my second year of Junior High School (JHS 2). By then, I had become acquainted with the concept of blood transfusions. Although I wished to contribute, my age rendered me ineligible for blood donation. My sense of helplessness was frustrating; I resented my youthful limitations.

Following my completion of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), I entered senior high school. There, news spread about an upcoming blood donation event. At last, an opportunity had arisen. The event was set to take place at the Regional Library in Tamale. Although I had never donated before, I saw this as my chance to potentially save lives elsewhere. I reasoned that perhaps karma would reciprocate, benefiting my family when needed. Despite feeling somewhat apprehensive due to my inexperience, I proceeded with the donation after a series of tests.

Following this, I didn’t hear about any upcoming blood donation drives for some time. My next donation occurred during my final year of senior high school. Stricken by nervousness and tension, I sought an outlet for my restlessness. Deciding that there was nothing nobler than saving lives, I journeyed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital to donate blood voluntarily—my second time doing so.

The third instance took place in the latter part of 2018, at the Ejura Sekyeredumase Municipal Hospital. I visited the hospital lab to make my donation, and an unexpected occurrence transpired. My known blood type, B+, was verified as A+. This revelation caught me off guard. The lab scientist attributed the error to a recording mistake and mentioned the necessity of retesting before transfusion. He also noted that it was rare for someone to proactively donate blood. We exchanged contact information and became friends.

A particular incident stands out: I received a call from the lab scientist while at home. He informed me about a woman who had brought her child from their village to the district hospital, seeking blood for her child. Stranded without local connections, they were in dire need. Excited to extend help, I promptly visited the hospital and provided the needed blood. I refrained from seeking their identity, convinced that extending aid didn’t necessitate personal familiarity. This marked my fourth donation.

My fifth and most recent donation took place in 2022. After attending a class with a friend, he received a call from his father, notifying him that his younger brother was admitted to the Tamale West Hospital and required blood. Accompanying him to the hospital, we underwent blood tests. Although neither of us was a match for his brother, I agreed to donate blood for a replacement unit, which they supplemented from the blood bank.

Currently a university student, I derive satisfaction from assisting others through blood donation. Having donated five times already, I am resolved that this is not the end of my contributions. I stand ready and willing to donate more, ensuring that lives are saved.