Burkina Faso: Federation of blood donors’ associations protests controversy over head of state’s blood donation

June 14, 2024 is celebrated as World Blood Donor Day. On this occasion, the head of state donated blood. The images circulated by the media sparked controversy on social networks, with some believing that they were not up-to-date.

Jean-Bosco Zondi, president of the Federation of Associations of Unpaid Blood Donors (FADOSAB-BF), said the press conference was intended to express outrage over the controversy. “While FADOSAB is happy and welcomes this gesture by the Head of State, some people, with hidden and undeniable aims, have tried to question the images of the blood donation broadcast by the national channel (RTB). This gesture hurts blood donors and especially the “SOS Sang” association, a member of FADOSAB, which worked together with the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) and the Faso President’s service to ensure the effectiveness of this blood donation campaign,” said Mr Zondi.

FADOSAB president Jean-Bosco Zoundi said he was angry about the controversy which dealt a blow to blood donation awareness campaigns

He reassured that the Head of State had indeed donated blood. “We were all present, including the head of the National Blood Transfusion Centre (CNTS). Right before our eyes, Captain Ibrahim Traoré carried out all the recommended steps in donating blood and then agreed to have his blood collected by qualified personnel in the area. We are therefore surprised and angry to see that individuals who were not present at the event are questioning this act of solidarity,” said Mr Zoundi.

For Mr. Zoundi, those who question the images of the President donating blood and believe that they are images from 2023 must know that the President did not donate blood on World Blood Donor Day in 2023. He therefore protested against this controversy that calls into question the solidarity action of the Head of State and harms the blood donation awareness campaign. “If FADOSAB finds itself deeply hurt today by this controversy, it is because it tarnishes the image of our activities. There is no doubt that this controversy is harmful to the activities of FADOSAB because it discourages voluntary blood donors and all the staff who provide blood every day in our health facilities,” he advised.

Reporters attended the press conference.

At the press conference, Jean-Bosco Zondi said he was angry about the comments made by Khalifalla Serre, who allegedly confirmed on BF1 television that the image showing the head of state donating blood was an archival image. Mr Zondi said the federation was waiting for Mr Serre to provide evidence and that if he did not provide evidence to prove his comments, the federation reserved the right to file a complaint against him for his remarks.

The press conference was also an opportunity for the Federation to invite Burkina Faso to donate blood, especially at the beginning of the rainy season, a time of high demand.

Justin Bonkungu

Photo: B

Lefaso.net