The World Health Organization (WHO) today called on all Vietnamese to become regular, voluntary blood donors.
The World Health Organization believes that safe access to blood is a universal human right. But this goal is often not achieved - especially in developing countries.
Viet Nam still only collects about 40% of its total need for blood.
That 60% shortfall costs lives.
“There is a chronic shortage of blood throughout the year in many parts of Viet Nam,” said Dr. Jean-Marc Olivé, WHO Representative in Vietnam.
“Some patients are dying because of a lack of blood available for transfusion. Many of these patients are women and children and from poor and rural areas,” Dr Olivé said.
It is important to increase the total number of voluntary, unpaid blood donations collected across the whole country and from all sectors of society.
Around 80% of blood donors in this country are under 35 years old.
“Students and young people are the most vigorous donors - and we sincerely thank them for their efforts,” Dr Olivé said
“But it is not just the young that might need a blood transfusion to save their life.
“It is young, old, rich, poor, male, female. It could be you, your child, or any member of your family,” he said.
ALL sectors of society NEED blood– so all sectors should GIVE blood.
The theme for this years' World Blood Donor Day is "Giving Blood Regularly".
It is now widely known that the safest source of blood is from regular and repeat voluntary unpaid blood donors. Paid, family and replacement donors are all higher risk groups than voluntary unpaid blood donors.
But donating once, though very welcome, is not enough.
To ensure that Viet Nam has enough blood to save lives – it not only needs more blood donors – it needs MORE blood donors to give MORE often.
In Viet Nam only 35 percent of donors are regular donors.
WHO urges all Vietnamese to come forward to not only donate – but donate regularly.
And feel free to bring a friend or family member!
“Donating blood is simple, safe and does not hurt. It does not make you unwell or weak. There is nothing to be afraid of,” Dr Olivé said
“Voluntary, unpaid blood donation is a selfless and humanitarian act.
“It is one of the greatest gifts you can give. It helps save lives,” he said.
Securing a large pool of blood donors is the only way to ensure that patients’ needs are met 365 days a year – whether it is for scheduled operations or emergencies.
WHO recognises the hard work of the Ministry of Health, the Viet Nam Red Cross, the Youth Union, the Students Union, the Women's Union and the Health Bureau in raising awareness of the need for blood donors.
The biggest thanks are saved for all existing blood donors. You are all heroes. You save lives.
But now we need more heroes and life savers, so please, give blood regularly, and save a life.