Brazzaville - Mavie Ndama is a phlebotomist at the National Blood Transfusion Centre in Brazzaville, the Republic of the Congo. She has spent years working at blood donation drives and transfusion stations, drawing blood from countless donors. Yet, despite her vital role in the blood donation process, she had never found the courage to donate blood herself.

Mavie's role is to draw blood from donors who visit the centre or participate in blood drives organized by the centre. "We are often used to taking samples from donors who come to us," she says. "I never thought I could be on the other side of the needle. The idea of having a large needle pierce my skin was daunting."

During a recent blood donation drive to commemorate this year’s World Blood Donation Day, Mavie decided to confront her fear. The significance of the day, coupled with her understanding of the life-saving impact of blood donations, inspired her to take the plunge. "I decided to donate blood because I know it means saving a life," she says. "That's why I chose to make this donation to save at least one life for the first time."

As Mavie prepared to donate, she felt a mix of anxiety and determination. "I thought it was going to be difficult and painful, being the donor this time and not the health professional drawing blood," she says. However, as the procedure began, she was impressed by how seamless and painless it was. "I'm still surprised I was able to go through with it without any pain. I am definitely doing this again because I feel so fulfilled."

Reflecting on her experience, Mavie feels a profound sense of accomplishment and urges others to do the same. "I encourage everyone, especially young people like me, to make it a habit to donate blood," she says. "It might be very uncomfortable the first time, but it is worth it when you commit to donating, knowing very well that it will save a life."