KPL
The National Blood Transfusion Institute (NBTI) of the Lao Red Cross convened a meeting on October 6 to review its public blood donation campaign for the first half of 2025 and to outline its strategy for the remainder of the year.
Chaired by Mr. Khamlavanh Chanthalavan, President of the Lao Red Cross, the meeting was attended by Ms. Binita Poudel, Country Representative of the Swiss Red Cross in Laos, and other relevant authorities.
Discussions centered on strategies to increase regular, voluntary blood donations and to enhance public awareness of the critical need for a safe and sufficient blood supply.
Mr. Chanthala Souksakhone, Head of the NBTI, reported that 35,771 bags of blood were collected in the first six months of 2025, meeting 44% of the annual target of 80,400 bags. He detailed that 15,504 bags (43%) came from voluntary donors, while 20,267 bags (57%) were from family or replacement donors.
Mr. Chanthala emphasized that the rate of voluntary donations remains below the national target of 70%, underscoring the need to intensify efforts to encourage voluntary donations across the country.
The meeting also highlighted key achievements, including public campaigns held on national and international holidays, which have helped raise awareness of blood donations.
However, significant challenges remain. The NBTI identified primary reasons for the public's reluctance to donate, which include fear and a lack of understanding about the donation process, the perception that blood donation is unnecessary, and, for some younger donors, the requirement for parental consent.
The session provided a platform for participants to contribute ideas to refine donor mobilization plans, with the unified goal of fostering greater public participation and ensuring a stable supply of safe blood.
KPL
