A group of Burkinabé journalists who recently participated in a patriotic immersion program have taken their commitment to the next level by donating blood at the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) in Ouagadougou. The journalists, who completed the immersion program from August 9-14, 2026, organized the blood donation drive on September 21, 2026, as a way to demonstrate their solidarity with those in need. The initiative aimed to contribute to the national blood bank, which is facing high demand, particularly during the rainy season.
The blood donation drive was a collective effort by the journalists, who donated around thirty pouches of blood. David Saba, spokesperson for the group, explained that the initiative was inspired by the lessons learned during the immersion program at the Police Academy. The program was organized by the Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Communication to promote patriotism and civic engagement among professionals in the media sector. Saba emphasized that the blood donation drive was a way for the journalists to put their newfound values into practice.
The journalists were motivated to donate blood due to the current challenges facing the country, including the rainy season and the ongoing conflict. Saba noted that the blood donation drive was not only a patriotic act but also a show of solidarity with those in need, particularly those affected by the conflict. The journalists hope that their initiative will inspire others to follow suit and engage in similar acts of civic responsibility.
Women journalists also played an active role in the blood donation drive, with Roukiatou Soma from the journal L'Observateur Paalga participating in the initiative. Soma encouraged other women to donate blood, citing the importance of saving lives and promoting a culture of solidarity. She emphasized that donating blood was a simple yet meaningful way to make a positive impact.
Dr. Déborah Yé, a medical doctor at the CNTS, welcomed the journalists' initiative, highlighting the critical need for blood donations in Burkina Faso. She praised the journalists for their commitment to promoting a culture of solidarity and civic responsibility. Dr. Yé also encouraged the journalists to continue their efforts, noting that the CNTS was always open to receiving donations.
The blood donation drive was just the first in a series of civic engagement initiatives planned by the journalists. The group aims to continue promoting patriotism and solidarity through various activities, demonstrating their commitment to making a positive impact in their community. The journalists' initiative has been widely praised, with many calling for others to follow their example.
The CNTS has expressed its gratitude to the journalists for their donation, which will help to support the national blood bank. The center's efforts to promote blood donations are ongoing, with a focus on encouraging citizens to donate regularly. The journalists' initiative is seen as a positive step towards promoting a culture of civic responsibility and solidarity in Burkina Faso.
Key points
- The Burkinabé journalists donated around thirty pouches of blood to support the national blood bank.
- The initiative was inspired by the lessons learned during the immersion program at the Police Academy.
- The journalists plan to continue promoting patriotism and solidarity through various civic engagement initiatives.
