As the demand for blood donations approaches an all-time high, the NHS is pleading with black blood donors to assist those with sickle cell disease.
Every day, approximately 250 contributions are required to treat the blood condition in England.
The NHS reports that just around half of all hospital requests for matched blood are presently met.
The most effective treatment for sickle cell disease is the blood that is compatible with a patient’s ancestry.
The disease, which is the fastest-growing genetic condition in the United Kingdom, causes red blood cells to deform and become adherent, obstructing blood arteries and limiting oxygen supply, which results in terrible pain.
Numerous individuals require regular blood transfusions to survive.
Five years ago, 150 daily donations were required. Now, this number stands at 250, and it is anticipated that demand will continue to rise.
According to NHS Blood and Transport, this is attributable to the increased use of full blood transfusions, which has improved patient outcomes.
55% of black individuals have the blood type Ro, compared to 2% of the general population.
It is clinically safe to treat patients with O-negative blood, the universal blood type, but this can result in long-term consequences.
Every four weeks, Sadeh Graham of West Bromwich, West Midlands, must have all of her blood replaced by donor blood.
She stated, “Some days I struggle to get out of bed and take a shower owing to the excruciating agony in my limbs.”
“Some days I wake up feeling terrific, and other days I wake up in the hospital, hooked up to machines, and informed that days have passed.”
She believes that the transfusions saved her life “many times over.”
The urgent plea from the NHS Blood and Transport service coincides with the start of a Black History Month campaign highlighting the ability of black communities to treat sickle cell and donate life-saving blood.
Dr. Rekha Anand, a transfusion medicine specialist, stated: “Sickle cell patients require matched blood to lessen the chance of significant complications, and black persons are more likely to be able to donate matched blood.
“There has been a slight increase in the number of black individuals who donate blood, but we urgently need more to become regular donors.
Donating blood is simple, quick, and risk-free, and you will save and improve lives by doing so.
Professor Kevin Fenton, regional director for London for the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, stated, “Being able to deliver high-quality clinical treatment to sickle cell patients saves lives and enhances the quality of their lives; this is a crucial step in combating health disparities.
