Youth Foundation Fights Blood Shortage in Papua New Guinea

A new youth foundation in Papua New Guinea is saving lives by doing what many organizations overlook: donating blood.

The O'hana Foundation, founded in 2024, sprang into action when clinical students at Modilon Hospital in Madang reported their blood bank was running critically short. Instead of organizing another toiletries drive, founder Theresha Diannah Orere wanted to make a bigger impact.

"Most of the time, regular donations involve toiletries," Orere explained. "We decided to do something different and something more impactful."

The foundation organized a blood donation drive that brought 13 participants to the hospital. For many donors, it was their first time giving blood.

Zuriel Kakavi, a final year environmental health student, admitted she felt nervous at first. "I was skeptical because I didn't know if I had enough blood," she said.

But watching her friends donate gave her confidence. "I came out feeling that my simple and humble contribution will save a life," Kakavi shared.

The initiative faced real challenges. Many potential donors were afraid of the donation process, while others didn't qualify due to low hemoglobin levels.

"We need to eat better food," Orere noted, recognizing the health challenges facing young people in their community.

The Ripple Effect

Blood donations keep hospitals ready for emergencies like accidents and surgeries where immediate transfusions mean the difference between life and death. They support cancer patients, people with anemia and kidney disease, and mothers facing childbirth complications.

The O'hana Foundation, rooted in the Melanesian spirit of togetherness, is now encouraging other youth groups and organizations to consider donating blood. Modilon Hospital's blood bank welcomes donors six days a week.

Each donation can save up to three lives, and right now, those lives are waiting in Madang.