Blood donors at the Red Journey programme in Lang Son province (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Over the last three decades, Vietnam has witnessed the
strong development of the voluntary blood donation movement, which reflects not
only people’s solidarity and humanity but also awareness improvement in society.
It is a journey of sharing
love, compassion, and solidarity among millions of Vietnamese hearts, bringing
life and happiness to countless families of patients.
The
movement started in the wartime, when soldiers selflessly gave blood to their
injured comrades amid limited healthcare conditions. After the war, blood
transfusion was carried out mainly at large hospitals that had surgery
departments. The majority of blood came from professional blood sellers and
health workers, unable to meet demand.
Strong
changes started in the early 1980s, when professors Bach Quoc Tuyen, Ton That
Tung, and many other leading experts nationwide conducted many talks and
consultations to change people’s perception of blood donation and call for voluntary blood donation.
Blood
donation demand surged in the 1990s, when the country entered the “Doi moi” (Renewal)
period. However, the explosion of / then posed a serious risk to the
safety of blood transfusion, leading to frequent blood shortages for treatment nationwide.
The
first humanitarian blood donation event was held on January 24, 1994, opening
up a new chapter of the voluntary blood donation movement that now involves
people from all social strata.
The
movement is not only a symbol of humanity but also a demonstration of
solidarity and sharing, helping build a strong and healthy community.
The voluntary blood donation
movement also witnessed reforms and creativity in approaches and organisation
methods. The use of technology, social media, and other media channels has helped
attract widespread participation from the public. Blood donation events have been
organised in an increasingly professional and creative manner, capturing the
attention and involvement of a large number of people.
A
large number of activities have been held and left strong ripple effect such as
the blood donation campaign ahead of the Lunar New Year, the Red Spring
Festival, the Summer Red Drops, and the Red Journey, or the events held on the
occasion of the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day (April 7) and the World Blood Donor
Day (June 14).
Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan (second, right) visits child patients at the National Institute of Hematology and in Hanoi on January 20, 2024. (Photo: VNA)Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Ngoc
Minh, former Director of the Hematology and Blood Transfusion Centre in the
central region, said over the past 30 years, the
movement has fundamentally met the blood supply need for clinical purposes,
including patient treatment, surgeries, and organ transplants.
In addition, the movement has contributed to the development and modernisation of the blood transfusion
sector in Vietnam. Blood screening and processing methods have been improved,
thus enhancing the quality and efficiency of donated blood utilisation.
Recognition and rewards for
voluntary blood donors have also been emphasised. In 2007, the National
Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT) held the first ceremony
to honour 100 exemplary blood donors from across the country.
Thirty years since the
movement was launched, more than 21.3 million people nationwide have
participated in blood donation, with tens of thousands being exemplary
voluntary blood donors, some donating for 30, 50, or even over 100 times.
In 2023, Vietnam made
remarkable progress when it received more than 1.5 million blood units, and 99%
of donors voluntarily shared their blood.
The movement has attracted
people from all walks of life such as police, the military, civil servants,
public employees, workers, farmers, students, monks, and nuns.
Prof. Nguyen Anh Tri, former Director
of the NIHBT, held that the humanitarian blood donation movement has truly
developed and is highly sustainable.
Its pinnacle is national-level
blood donation events, some of which have even gained international
recognition. It took many other countries 50 years or even more to spread the
voluntary blood donation movement as deeply and widely as in Vietnam, he added.
With
support from the Government and unceasing efforts by people, this movement is
expected to reap even greater achievements in ensuring safe and efficient blood
supply for the community./.
Source: VietnamPlus
