In a powerful demonstration of community solidarity, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and the volunteer group “We Are One” organized a “Life Sharing Blood Donation” campaign aimed at alleviating the severe blood supply crisis in Ethiopia.
The event, held in the capital, brought together 42 participants, with support from the Ethiopian Blood and RohazBank, to promote voluntary blood donation as a vital means of saving lives and enhancing public health.
Ethiopia faces a dire shortage of blood supplies, collecting only about 200,000 units annually against a staggering national requirement of 18,000 units per day.
Major hospitals in Addis Ababa, including Tikur Anbessa Hospital, have struggled to provide necessary emergency and maternal care due to insufficient blood reserves.
Habtamu Taye, Deputy Director of the Ethiopian Blood and Tissue Bank, emphasized the gravity of the situation, revealing that daily collections fall short at only 250 to 300 units.
Henok Mamo, an Ethiopian Blood Bank representative, passionately urged community involvement, stating, “Blood is always needed. Our mothers need blood, people who come to us due to disasters need blood. Babies need blood. So let’s all join hands and save lives by donating blood.”
His call to action resonated with participants like Yohannes (Joe), who donated for the first time and expressed his commitment to continue giving.
HWPL has been proactive in addressing local health needs through its community-based initiatives.
The organization has previously hosted interfaith dialogue forums and legal policy workshops aimed at fostering reconciliation and civic education in Ethiopia’s diverse society.
Their three-pillar peace strategy focusing on peace education, interfaith cooperation, and legal advocacy has been tailored to meet the unique challenges of Ethiopia's multiethnic and multi-religious landscape.
The success of the blood drive exemplifies how grassroots civic action can significantly contribute to public health and peace-building efforts in the region.