KPL
The Lao Red Cross on June 11 organized a blood donation campaign at Lao ITECC Mall in Vientiane Capital to mark World Blood Donor Day, observed annually on June 14, under the theme: “One Drop of Blood for Humanity – Donate Blood, Give Life.”
The event was chaired by Khamlao Chanthalavan, President of the Lao Red Cross and Vice President of the National Committee for the Promotion of Blood Donation and Blood Transfusion (NCBD), alongside the committee’s Permanent Secretary. Also attending was Deputy Minister of Health Phaiwan Keopaseuth, who serves as Vice President of the NCBD.
Representatives from government agencies, the armed forces, police, educational institutions, development partners, and the general public participated in the campaign, which is expected to collect more than 400 units of blood.
Speaking at the event, Khamlao Chanthalavan said World Blood Donor Day provides an opportunity to recognize and thank voluntary blood donors for their life-saving contributions. The annual observance also aims to raise public awareness of the importance of regular blood donation to ensure an adequate and safe blood supply for patients in need.
He noted that millions of lives are saved each year through blood transfusions and blood products donated by voluntary donors worldwide. Blood is essential for treating women experiencing childbirth complications, children suffering from severe anemia, patients with blood disorders, kidney disease, leukemia and other cancers, dengue fever patients, accident victims, and individuals undergoing surgery.
Despite progress in many countries, ensuring a sufficient supply of safe and quality blood remains a challenge in numerous parts of the world. Continuous public participation in blood donation is therefore vital to strengthening healthcare services and saving lives.
During the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were awarded to regular blood donors, outstanding organizations that actively promoted blood donation, and development partners and private-sector entities that supported the campaign. Among those recognized was the Office of the European Union Delegation to the Lao PDR.
The National Blood Institute and provincial blood centres nationwide are encouraging civil servants, members of the armed forces, police officers, students, business operators, and the general public to participate in blood donation activities. Eligible donors should be between 17 and 60 years of age, weigh at least 45 kilograms, and be in good health.
Blood donations can be made daily, including public holidays, at the National Blood Institute in Vientiane Capital and provincial blood centres throughout the country.
