(KPL) The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Lao Red Cross National Blood Transfusion Centre, the United Nations Volunteers and the Crowne Plaza last week organized a Blood Donation Drive to celebrate International Women's Day 2023.

To ensure women’s lives are protected against maternal deaths due to excessive bleeding during and after delivery of their babies, a joint effort was formed to raise awareness among the UN agencies, Development Partners and Government agencies in the Lao PDR. The objective of the event was to increase the blood stores for the Blood Bank in the country thereby helping to reduce maternal mortality.

"As stated by UNFPA, and as many may be aware, the Blood Bank in the Lao PDR is running low on blood and plasma stocks posing challenges to reducing maternal mortality. Timely, safe and accessible blood supplies are critical when Caesarean Sections are required and even more so for postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding during and after delivery), which is a leading cause of maternal deaths in the Lao PDR," said Nasar Hayat, FAO Representative to the Lao PDR.

He emphasized that we see blood as the emblem of life; thus, giving blood means giving lives. This philosophy does support and showcase through the activities that FAO is undertaking. By mobilizing what we have strategically, in the forms of knowledge, know-how and resources and materials, we could ensure better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life for all. As part of the event, Nasar Hayat encouraged others who are in good health condition to consider donating their blood, as it is reported that one blood donation can help save up to three new lives.

During the course of the event, blood was collected from 60 healthy individuals ranging from Government counterparts, Development Partners, and the UN community.

KPL