Diplomats Donate Blood Amid Covid Shortages

Two blood donation campaigns have been launched by the embassies of Thailand and Bangladesh to supplement local blood banks.

People donate blood to support treatment, particularly in southern localities that are facing difficulties due to the pandemic. Source: VNA

The Central Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (CIHBT) has announced it is facing a severe shortage of blood, having enough for use only in the next few days without further supplies, reported Vietnam News on Nov. 29.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the CIHBT had to cancel or postpone 80 blood donation drives in November with an expected reception of 25,000 units.

When social distancing measures were eased and the nation started to implement the policy of safe and flexible adaptation to and effective control of the outbreak, the number of blood donations improved.

However, after the number of new cases has increased recently in many localities, blood donations started to decline.

Meanwhile, blood demand is forecast to increase in the year-end period and during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays.

To promote a volunteer spirit and unity for the benefit of Thai people and local communities where Thai people live, and to mark 45 years of Thailand - Vietnam friendship (1976-2021), the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City, the city's Department of Foreign Affairs and Youth Union, organized a blood donation event on Dec. 4.

The Royal Thai Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City donates funds to the project of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union in supporting and taking care of orphans due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Source: VNA

Nattapol Na Songkhla, Deputy Consul General, Acting Consul General of Thailand, expressed his support and thanks to Thai and Vietnamese volunteers for responding to blood donation activities, contributing to the benefit of society, the community and the homeland.

Songkhla said he hoped that the number of people participating in blood donation from the Thai and Vietnamese communities in this program would contribute to solving the blood shortage in the city, especially during the recent Covid-19 outbreak, which has greatly increased the demand for blood from medical facilities.

Nearly 300 people came to donate their blood, despite complex developments of the Covid-19 pandemic in the city, which is Vietnam’s current largest hotspot.

As of noon on the same day, the program had collected more than 400 units. The number of people participating in blood donation from the Thai community in the city and the people of the city has contributed to solving the blood shortage in HCM City, especially after the Covid-19 outbreak.

In addition, the Consulate General also provided VND 45 million (USD 1,970) to the project of the HCM City Youth Union in supporting and taking care of orphans due to the Covid-19.

From May 2019 to now, the Consulate General of Thailand in HCM City and its companion unit have coordinated to organize four voluntary blood donation activities, thereby supporting more than 647 blood units to help Vietnamese patients.

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Vietnam, Samina Naz donates blood on Nov. 26. Photo from the embassy

Earlier, on Nov. 26, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Vietnam and Hanoi-based 108 Central Military Hospital jointly organized the humanitarian blood donation program in response to the 100th birthday anniversary of the founding leader of Bangladesh and also the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's national day; and at the same time tightening friendship between Vietnam and Bangladesh.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Vietnam, Samina Naz said: “On these important occasions, the embassy wants to have many social activities, as well as express Bangladesh's special affection to Vietnamese people."

"I really love the country, culture and people of Vietnam. By doing this, I feel closer and more connected to the country and people of Vietnam. This is my third time organizing this kìnd of event and for me personally it is my fourth time donating blood. I feel very happy when I can contribute something to the Vietnamese people, to the community and society. I feel very honored and happy to be able to do this.”

Dr. Le Huu Song, deputy director of the 108 Central Military Hospital, expressed his respect for the embassy's affection, especially that of Ambassador Samina Naz who actively organized three blood donation events at 108 Central Military Hospital.

The hospital believes that blood donation will help save many patients in an emergency situation. This is not only a humanitarian activity but also a way to strengthen the feelings of the people of Bangladesh and Vietnam.

Regarding the current blood reserve in the city, Pham Thi Thu Huong - Head of Blood Transfusion Department, 108 Central Military Hospital said that the need for daily blood transfusion was so great that it was often in short supply.

The Covid-19 wave has left most blood donation activities cancelled, leading to a decrease in blood reserves.

The blood donation events had been organized in accordance with pandemic prevention and control regulations, especially the Health Ministry’s 5K message - khau trang (face mask), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distance), khong tu tap (no gathering), and khai bao y te (health declaration).

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