| Azlan Othman |
BLOOD donors are heroes who have been hailed for giving the gift of life.
A total of 13,037 blood donors came forward across Brunei Darussalam last year, including 3,495 new registered donors.
Despite this number, the country faces the challenge of inadequate blood supply. More blood donors are invited to come forward and become regular donors to ensure that the blood banks’ supply is sufficient, safe and sustainable.
This was highlighted by the Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi in his message on the occasion of World Blood Donors Day which carries the theme ‘What Can You Do? Give Blood. Give Now. Give Often’.
Blood donation is one of the most vital social services to the humankind. A normal and healthy person can easily donate blood many times between 18 and 60 years, he said.
Through blood donation, we can help various needy people and save their precious lives. A single blood donation can save three lives. No matter how science and technology advances, to date, attempts made by scientists to develop artificial blood have not been successful, the minister added.
“Additionally, donating blood can help burn your calories and also prevent iron overloading in the blood. A reduction of the iron level in the body is linked to low cancer risk. Regular blood donation can reduce your risk of getting non-communicable diseases such as heart ailments and cancer,” the message noted.
Touching on the theme for this year’s World Blood Donors Day, the minister said it focusses on blood donation in emergencies.
Number of blood donors in Sultanate reached 13,037 last year, but supply still inadequate, says Minister of Health. – FILE PHOTO
“In a crisis or an emergency situation, the natural human response is ‘What can I do? How can I help?’ Blood loss resulting from traumatic injuries can lead to deaths. We would not want to wait until disaster strikes to donate blood. Being prepared is the way to go, so that those in need will have an increased chance of survival.”
The minister’s message further noted that the Ministry of Health (MoH) aims to support and strengthen health services’ capacity for preparedness and response to emergencies, including the ability to ensure adequate supply to fulfil the demand for blood and blood products for blood transfusion on patients requiring emergency medical care.
“The Blood Donation Centre and blood banks in hospitals in all districts provide blood donation services in a comfortable and pleasant environment through a safe blood management system. We also continuously work with our partners in other government agencies, educational institutions, uniformed forces, the private sector and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to coordinate blood donation campaigns in the country.
“The global objective of today’s World Blood Donor Day is very much relevant and well-aligned to the MoH’s strategic priorities – which are to drive the ‘Health is everyone’s business’ agenda, enhance the quality of service delivery and prevent and control non-communicable diseases,” the minister said.
“Every blood donor is a hero to all who receive the blood. Alhamdulillah, their blood donation is an incredible gift of life. The blood you give is a lifeline in an emergency and for people who need long-term treatments.
“In appreciation to the regular blood donations, the MoH would like to congratulate, honour and thank the efforts of the voluntary unpaid blood donors including our generation of young heroes who have courageously started to donate blood at the age of 17. Your donation is a life-saving donation,” the minister concluded.
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