Dispelling common myths about blood donation

Fear and hesitation before first donation

Many people delay blood donation because of fear and misinformation. William Evans Mutabazi first donated blood in 2014 after months of hesitation while he was a secondary school student.

He believed donating blood would weaken him and assumed older people would meet the demand. Although he was healthy, he worried about the medical screening and did not understand what it involved.

After health workers cleared him to donate, he went ahead with the process.

“I did not understand the urgency. I thought blood donation was for older people, not students,” said Mutabazi, who is now a journalist.

Personal experiences change attitudes

Later, stories of patients who died due to blood shortages changed Mutabazi’s perception. After his first donation, he received a donor card showing his blood group, O+. The card can also help him or a family member receive priority during emergencies.

Today, he donates whenever campaigns take place, especially during Car Free Days and public health events. He says donating helps him monitor his health and support people in need.

Phoebe Kaitesi, a lawyer, also hesitated before becoming a donor. She feared fainting, worried about contamination, and did not know how health workers used donated blood.

After receiving clear explanations about the process and safety measures, she began donating blood.

When blood shortages become personal

For Halima Nakiyemba from Kacyiru, a hospital experience prompted her decision to donate. In 2015, doctors admitted her for hernia surgery and needed blood that was not immediately available.

Although doctors later found blood for her, she witnessed another patient die due to delays. That moment convinced her to become a donor. She now donates blood at least twice a year.

Common misconceptions among the public

Despite these experiences, misconceptions about blood donation remain widespread. Dr Thomas Muyombo, Blood Transfusion Division Manager at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, says health workers encounter these beliefs during radio programs and community outreach.

Many people believe blood recipients can adopt the donor’s behavior or traits. Others think donors must continue giving blood for life once they start.

Dr Muyombo explained that people donate voluntarily and at their own pace. Some donate only during school years, while others pause due to illness or personal reasons.

Safety, consent, and trust

Dr Muyombo dismissed claims that transfusions change a person’s personality. Children, adults, and new mothers receive blood safely without behavioral changes.

Health workers recommend blood transfusions only when necessary. Doctors explain the procedure clearly to patients or caregivers, and consent remains mandatory in all cases.

Some people also believe hospitals sell donated blood. Dr Muyombo clarified that hospitals do not sell blood. While health systems may recover operational costs in the future, they do not treat blood as a commodity.

He added that procedures such as cross matching often confuse patients. These misunderstandings can spread quickly and discourage donors.

Health officials continue to promote accurate information to reduce fear and encourage more people to donate blood.

Credit: The New Times