Blood is vital for life and for many people, blood donors are their lifeline.
Every week, the Port Moresby General Hospital needs approximately 400 bags of clean blood to assist those in need.
To collect that many donations the blood bank team will screen approximately 800 volunteers each week as not everyone who volunteers will be able to donate due to health reasons.
Blood can only be stored for a limited amount of time before use which is why there is a constant need for regular blood supply.
Regular blood donations by a sufficient number of healthy people are needed to ensure that safe blood will always be available.
Modern processing techniques mean that your single blood donation when separated into its components (red cells, plasma and platelets), can help at least three different patients by making vital products which treat many conditions.
This means ones decision to donate can save a life, or even several.