The World Blood Donor Day will be observed in the country as elsewhere across the globe on Tuesday to create awareness about the significance of blood donation and the safe infusion of blood.
The day is also observed to honour the contribution of voluntary and unpaid blood donors.
This year’s theme is “Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives” focusing on the urgency to increase the number of donors.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) observed the first World Blood Donor Day in 2004 to encourage all countries to acknowledge the selfless effort of blood donors who come ahead to save the life of other people.
Various blood-donor organisations and other governmental and non-governmental organisations have taken various programmes, including blood camps and discussions, to mark the day.
Quantum Foundation has also chalked out different programmes, including a blood camp and reception to the blood donors. It is also going to observe the day along with the government’s initiative with its highest donor pool of 450,000 voluntary blood donors, said a press release on Monday.
The reception for the blood donors who donated blood at least 50 times and 25 times will be held at 11 am at the Jatiya Press Club auditorium. Information Minister Hasan Mahmud MP will attend the program as the chief guest.
A blood camp will also be arranged simultaneously on the Press Club premises.
Bangladesh is yet to be self-sufficient in blood donation due to the huge gap between the blood need and its supply. On average 800,000 to 1,000,000 units of blood are needed every year in the country.
The day is observed every year on June 14 marking the birth anniversary of Austrian biologist and physician Karl Landsteiner in recognition of his contribution to safe blood infusion.
The WHO observes the day in cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society, International Federation of Blood Donor Organization and International Society of Blood Infusion.
The World Blood Donor Day 2022 will be hosted by Mexico through National Blood Centre this year
Source: United News of Bangladesh