Despite the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) increasing the amount of blood collected since its inception in 2004, Malawi remains with a
27% deficit in required blood supplies nationally. Mina Hosseinipour, MD, MPH, and researchers sought to understand the facilitators and barriers to blood donation among secondary school students in Malawi.
They utilized a qualitative exploratory design, with a sample of 135 participants purposefully selected from 16 secondary schools across Malawi. Blood donation among students is facilitated by altruism, incentives including milestone awards, knowledge, motivation, transport, peer pressure, and individual health status. While there have been efforts to motivate students to donate blood, significant barriers to blood donation still exist. Intensifying education and awareness campaigns may help dispel misconceptions and fears surrounding donation experiences and blood usage.