In an effort to promote the importance of blood donations, the World Health Organization (WHO) observes every June 14 as World Blood Donor Day. The day was established back in 2005 when, during that year’s World Health Assembly, health ministers from around the world unanimously declared their commitment to promote regular blood donations.
This year, World Blood Donor Day is focusing on “Safe blood for all” in order to raise awareness of the need for safe blood.
“The world needs enough safe blood for everyone in need,” the WHO stated on their website. “Everyone in the world should have access to safe blood transfusions—when and where they need them.”
The international organization also notes donated blood can be used while treating pregnancy and bleeding associated with childbirth, anemia-related illness, blood and bone marrow donations, traumatic injury, among other instances.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health-Region VI (DOH-6) is concluding their ongoing program advocating organ donation today at the Punta Villa Resort in Iloilo City.
“For those who are willing to donate their organs, please come,” urged DOH-6 Senior Health Program Officer John Richard Lapascua. “Do not hesitate and don’t be afraid to donate your useful internal organs when your time comes.”
“This year, the celebration focuses on kidney donors, whether living or deceased, and their families,” he added. “We are conducting promotive and preventive activities against chronic and other diseases that can damage our kidneys.”
The department is placing an emphasis on kidney since June is National Kidney Month./WDJ