In spite of COVID-19 impacts, many local residents in the province have given their gift of kindness and generosity through blood donation, basically providing sufficient blood supply for medical treatment and emergencies...
In spite of COVID-19 impacts, many local residents in the province have given their gift of kindness and generosity through blood donation, basically providing sufficient blood supply for medical treatment and emergencies in 2020.
Sufficient blood donation amid the pandemic
Many schools were closed in February, March and April, 2020 due to COVID-19 and blood donation was postponed, resulting in the risk of severe shortage for emergencies and treatment in the province in the first and second quarters. Especially, the social quarantine under the Prime Minister’s Instructions in April even drove up the scarcity of blood supply.
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As soon as the social quarantine order was lifted, more than 600 residents in Khanh Vinh District donated 467 units of blood on April 23. In April, many agencies and organization also joined the blood donation such as Nha Trang City Youth’s Union, Youth’s Federation, Red Cross; Academy of Navy and 2 - E23 - K02 Battalion under the Ministry of Public Security’s Mobile Police; and Khanh Hoa Public Security. The total blood donated in April reached nearly 2,300 units, 750 units exceeding the plan target.
Safe blood donation procedures were assured, following the COVID-19 control and prevention guidance for the safety of blood donors. According, all blood donors were to undergo screening medical examination, fill health declaration forms, wear masks, use sanitizers and keep a safe distance from others at the donation sites. Besides, safe blood donation devices were assured to prevent infection transmission risks, according to Dr. Vo Xuan Thanh, Director of Khanh Hoa Hematology & Blood Transfusion Center.
Easing blood shortage for medical treatment demand
Together with enhanced propaganda and mobilization, the Mobilization Board for Voluntary Blood Donation at all levels has also maintained and strengthened 26 donation clubs of ABO blood types, urgent donation, standby blood, blood platelets, etc. Members of the clubs have provided blood available for emergencies in case of shortage at medical facilities.
Thanks to comprehensive measures, since the beginning of the year, the province has held 121 blood donation drives with more than 20,000 donors, giving nearly 19,400 units of blood, accounting for nearly 90% of the target. Blood donors out of local residents have accounted for 1.53% with frequent blood donors making up 63%. The source of donated blood has basically met the demand for medical treatment and emergencies in the province and thus promptly eased the scarcity of blood shortage due to COVID-19 impacts.
“The results are thanks to the concern and direction of the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation, Provincial Party Committee, Provincial People’s Committee and the cooperation of local agencies, departments and organizations in the province,” said Luu Thi Bich Huong, Chief of the Office of the Provincial Mobilization steering Board for Voluntary Blood Donation, Deputy Chairperson of Provincial Red Cross.
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the steering board at all levels has adjusted the blood donation schedules and targets to meet specific situations. Especially, residents in the province have rolled up their sleeves to donate blood during this crisis to save life.
The provincial Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation will organize a ceremony this December to honor individuals and organizations’ contribution to the blood donation and mobilization campaign 2020. The provincial Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation will continue promoting the blood donation campaign with the target of over 23,000 units of blood donated in 2021.
C.Dan
Translated by N.T
