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DAR ES SALAAM, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Lu Youging on Tuesday donated blood at the east African nation's leading hospital to mark the World Blood Donor Day.
Speaking after he had donated his blood at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, Lu said he was motivated to donate blood because he understood the need to donate blood to help children who undergo heart surgery at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), named after Tanzania's retired President.
"Tanzania and China are cooperating in many areas. We are good partners. The government of China is giving first priority to supporting the health sector in Tanzania," he said.
The Chinese envoy assured President John Magufuli of his country's continued support towards the development of key sectors in Tanzania.
Makwaia Makani, MNH's Acting Director General, said the hospital was facing shortage of blood for patients needing the service, including children.
Makani said between 30 to 50 litres of blood were collected per day at the hospital, adding that the hospital was also facing lack of proper blood measuring facilities which affected collection and storage of blood.
The head of Heart Department at the MNH, Mohamed Janabi, said the hospital needed at least 90 litres of blood a day for children who underwent heart surgery.
On June 14, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day, established in 2004, to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products. Enditem
