Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar paid tribute to blood donors as well as organisers of blood donation campaigns in the country during a message for World Blood Donor Day.
“The personnel of the Ministry of Health and I would like to convey our deepest appreciation to each blood donor in Brunei Darussalam who has voluntarily donated blood without expecting any reward in return to help patients who are in need of blood,” he said in his message.
He also lauded the government agencies, education institutions, uniformed groups, private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as individuals who are involved in carrying out activities and organising blood donation campaigns.
“We also appreciate and congratulate officers and staff at the Blood Donation Centre of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, the blood banks of Suri Seri Begawan Hospital, Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital and Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Hospital for the continuous efforts to make sure that blood supplies are safe and always enough,“ said the minister.
The minister said the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that one to three per cent of the country’s population should donate annually to be able to handle emergency situations.
“Alhamdulillah, Brunei Darussalam has reached as much as three per cent in 2023,” said the minister, adding that the figure is consistent with the achievements since 2014.
In 2023, the Blood Donation Centre has recorded 17,891 pints of blood contributed by 14,267 blood donors including 4,099 newly registered blood donors, he said.
“Each unit of blood donated can help save the lives of three patients,” said the minister.
He called on individuals who have never donated to start, “for the sake of common good and well-being”.
“Only with this can we have access to an adequate blood supply for patients who need a safe and timely transfusion,” he said.
TWENTY YEARS OF GIVING
The minister said this year’s World Blood Donor Day is themed ‘Celebrating 20 Years of Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors!’. “It is a golden opportunity to say thanks to blood donors worldwide on their sacrifice all this time and also appreciate the very clear and deep impact towards patients and donors,” said the minister.
“It is also the right time to address ongoing challenges, and accelerating progress towards a future where safe blood transfusion is universally accessible.”
In concluding the message, the minister said, “Let us together raise awareness on the importance of unity and continuous voluntary blood donation activities for ensuring adequate and safe blood supply.” – James Kon
