Natalia Tojadhi suffers from thalassemia. She needs to get blood transfusions at least 3 times a month.
“I need to come in at least 2-3 times a month. In some cases, I only receive 2 because there are not enough blood donors, and in others, I only receive 1. If you have to take 2 blood bags, you need to stay at least 2.5 – 3 hours,” – she said.
The 12-year-old from Vlora, is often unable to receive the necessary amount of blood she needs.
“Sometimes, I feel weak. During gym class, we need to exercise and sometimes I can’t do all of them, because of my blood transfusions and my mom tells me I shouldn’t get too tired,” – said Natalia.
Thalassemic patients are the ones who suffer the most from a lack of blood donations. In Albania, there are around 155 thalassemic children who need treatment.
Often, blood donations aren’t enough.
At the center of blood donations, reserves are running thin. At the moment, there are 11.8 doners per capita. According to WHO, in order for there to be enough blook, there need to be at least 13-15 doners per 1000 inhabitants.
Bledjan Lica is a volunteer donor, who donates blood as often as he can.
“There’s still a taboo in our society, where they think that this may cause some kind of health problem. This is one of the best things. This is one of the best things especially when you think about the fact that 10 minutes of your time can really help someone in need,” – said Lica.
During the first 4 months of 2022, a total of 8200 blood donations were made. 20% were from volunteers. 80% only donate blood if a family member needs it.
Thalassemia can be discovered in the early stages of pregnancy.
“Young couples getting married usually have to be suffering from the disease in order to pass it on to the newborn. Couples can run tests and analyses in order to find out if their child would suffer from thalassemia and that gives them a chance to decide whether they want to continue with the pregnancy or not,” – said the pediatric doctor, Manika Kreka.
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