This week’s “Vamos Falar de Saúde” brought together two experts to address a highly relevant public health issue: the relationship between malaria and the need for blood transfusions.
Broadcast on Radio Huíla 96.2/96.6 FM and the digital platforms of the Liberatos Group, the conversation featured Félix Puto, provincial coordinator of Blood Services in Huíla, and Nataniel Fernandes Tchombé, malaria training supervisor.
When Malaria Destroys the Blood
During the broadcast, the experts explained how malaria directly affects human blood. According to Félix Puto, a parasite transmitted by the bite of the Anopheles mosquito causes the disease. After entering the body, the agent settles in red blood cells, multiplies rapidly, and destroys these cells.
As a result, many patients develop severe anemia. In this condition, the body loses its ability to transport oxygen to vital organs. Therefore, the most severe cases require a rapid medical response.
Nataniel Tchombé highlighted that, especially among children and pregnant women, blood transfusion can mean the difference between life and death.
“When malaria is not treated promptly, the destruction of red blood cells becomes so intense that only a blood transfusion can save the patient’s life,” he explained.
The Importance of Safe Blood
The guests emphasized that blood donation remains one of the greatest acts of human solidarity. However, health services must rigorously analyze each unit collected before its use.
This process ensures greater safety for patients and significantly reduces the risks of disease transmission.
Among the main benefits of transfusion are the replacement of lost or destroyed blood, improved oxygen transport, and increased chances of survival in critical situations. Furthermore, transfusion allows for the rapid stabilization of patients facing serious complications.
On the other hand, the use of untested blood can transmit infectious diseases, including malaria. Similarly, refusing a necessary transfusion can compromise treatment and put lives at risk.
A direct and little-known relationship
Although many people do not associate the two issues, experts explained that there is a direct link between malaria and blood donation.
On the one hand, malaria is among the main causes of severe anemia and, consequently, increases the demand for transfusions in hospitals in Huíla province. On the other hand, blood bank professionals carry out rigorous laboratory controls to prevent the parasite from being transmitted through transfusions.
Thus, safe donation not only helps those who need blood, but also protects recipients against possible infections.
According to the guests, many children hospitalized with severe malaria survived thanks to the existence of safe and available blood reserves. Therefore, increasing the number of donors remains a priority for health services.
Cultural Barriers Still Cost Lives
One of the most striking moments of the interview addressed the cultural and religious challenges that still influence the acceptance of blood donation and transfusion.
According to experts, some beliefs hold that receiving blood from another person can alter the patient’s identity, family lineage, or spiritual convictions. Furthermore, certain families view donation as a loss of vital force.
However, the guests warned of the consequences of these perceptions when emergency situations arise.
“Medicine does not alter anyone’s faith or origin. Blood is an instrument of life. When a necessary transfusion is refused, the result can be a death that could have been avoided,” stated Félix Puto.
For this reason, the experts advocated for closer dialogue with communities, religious leaders, and families. In this way, it will be possible to combat myths, clarify doubts, and promote informed decisions.
Life-Saving Information
The second June edition of the “Let’s Talk About Health” program delivered a clear message: combating malaria depends not only on diagnosis and treatment, but also on the existence of voluntary donors and secure blood reserves to respond to the most critical situations.
Watch the full program here: