Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune

(KPL) The World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually on 14 June to advocate for the importance of regular blood donation.

This year’s campaign has a special theme 20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!” The blood donation drive at the Lao international Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre (Lao ITECC) sees large turnout of blood donors.

The event was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune and President of Lao Red Cross Khamlavan Chanthalavan.

 More than 1,500 people from various ministries, organizations, soldiers, police, students and general public attended the event.

Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune highlighted that the blood donation plays an important role in contributing to health care, benefiting patients and helping to save the lives of patients who need blood transfusions and blood components used in the treatment of various diseases that are dangerous to the patient's life. Beside that blood transfusions and blood products help patients live longer and have a better quality of life.

There are still many countries where the demand for blood exceeds the capacity to supply. Blood donation mobilization and safe blood supply still face many challenges to achieve sufficient, safe and timely blood supply, as well as quality assurance.

In 2023, the blood donations across the country reached 73,023 bags. This year, the National Assembly has passed a resolution to adopt a nationwide blood donation target of 78,000 bags, including 33,300 bags to be reached at central level and 44,700 bags at provincial level.

 “This year, Blood Donor Day focuses on people around the world who have started donating blood and are regular donors. To celebrate June 14 World Blood Donor Day widely in the center and other provinces throughout the country, there will be activities like this at the appropriate time as well,” said Mr Khamlavan Chanthalavan.

“We see a large turnout of blood donor this year, and we expected to receive more than 500 units of blood,” said Mr Khamlavan Chanthalavan.

The Lao Red Cross and National Blood Transfusion Centre is responsible for providing safe, adequate and timely blood supplies to the health system. They have integrated their services with the health system to ensure safe, available and good quality blood and blood products for hospital patients.

Everyone who is healthy and weigh above 45 kilograms, aged 17 to 60 is welcome to give blood. Visit the website: http://www.laoredcross.org.la/ or Facebook: Lao Red Cross National Blood Transfusion Centre for more information on how you can donate blood. Your blood can save lives.

KPL