Jamaican diplomatic, business and acting worlds combine to save Black Britons affected by sickle cell

Jamaica's High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Alexander Williams, will be part of a contingent of Jamaican business and cultural figures visiting London's newest blood donor centre in Brixton on 21 October to deliver a lifesaving message.

The visit will mark the unprecedented support the island nation has given the NHS in its ongoing campaign to boost the number of Black heritage blood donors to treat people living with sickle cell – the UK's fastest-growing inherited blood disorder, which disproportionately affects Black African and Caribbean communities. 

His Excellency, who contacted dozens of Jamaican charities and community groups in the UK urging them to register to become blood donors, will be joined by Jamaican acting royalty Dr Oliver Samuels, Richard Pandohie, CEO of Jamaican drinks manufacturer Seprod; and Sanjay Wadhwani, Managing Director of Wanis International Foods, their UK distributor. 

The 2 companies have printed a bespoke blood donation message and QR code, linking to a blood donor registration page, on more than 150,000 cans of their vanilla-flavoured drink, which will be available in supermarkets across the country. 

Legendary actor Dr Oliver Samuels OD has committed to highlighting the need for more Black donors during his national tour – potentially reaching thousands of people of Black heritage. 

The international assistance from Jamaica comes at a time when the gap between the amount of blood needed to treat sickle cell patients and the amount collected is growing, despite the number of Black heritage donors being at a 10-year high.

Black heritage donors are 10 times more likely to have the Ro blood subtype used to treat sickle cell than any other ethnicity, so recruiting more Black heritage donors is a priority for NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). 

NHSBT needs to recruit an additional 16,000 Black heritage blood donors this year to meet the growing need. With 300 babies a year born with sickle cell, and data showing that around 50% of the time sickle cell patients receive blood that is not the best possible match, initiatives to mobilise Black heritage communities to donate are vital. 

Statements

Statement from Mark Chambers

NHSBT Director of Donor Experience, Mark Chambers, said:

"Our thanks go out to the High Commissioner, the amazing team that has made the Supligen initiative possible, and the wonderful Dr Oliver Samuels for their support. 

"We're always looking for innovative ways to reach Black heritage communities across the country, and the three opportunities afforded to us by these partnerships will do much to highlight the urgent need for more Black heritage blood donors. 

"The message to all communities is simple: please register to give blood. Giving an hour of your time can save up to three lives."

Statement from His Excellency Alexander Williams

His Excellency Alexander Williams said:

"It is fitting that during Black History Month we renew the call for Jamaicans across the country to redouble their efforts to support Black heritage communities by becoming blood donors.

"Jamaicans are world-renowned for their sense of community, which is why I'm confident they will answer the call and rise to the health challenge posed by sickle cell, a terrible condition that disproportionately affects all Black heritage communities.

"I'm incredibly proud to be part of NHS Blood and Transplant’s campaign to recruit more Black heritage blood donors. Securing greater numbers of donors will ensure that the 17,000 sickle cell patients in the UK can live their lives without many of the debilitating symptoms they experience."

Statement from Dr Oliver Samuels OD

Statement from Richard Pandohie

Richard Pandohie, CEO of Seprod Limited, said:

"We are proud to support this important initiative through our Supligen brand. 

"The UK is a key market for us, and with so many of our consumers of Black heritage, we felt this was a natural fit. We are honoured that the NHS has partnered with a Jamaican brand like ours to help share this message. 

"Giving blood saves lives, and we especially want to encourage more people to register and donate so that everyone in our community has access to the vital care they deserve."

Statement from Sanjay Wadhwani

Sanjay Wadhwani, Managing Director of Wanis International Foods, said:

"Due to illnesses like sickle cell, Black and Asian blood donors are in high demand – and as one of the most loved drinks brands in these communities, Supligen has generously given valuable space on its cans to help drive an increase in blood donations. 

"We're proud to be distributing these cans nationwide, spreading this important message of community action."

How you can help

Book a blood donation appointment today through our website or call 0300 123 23 23.