Voluntary Blood Donors Association, Kohima and Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland observed World Blood Donor Day on Wednesday under the theme “Give blood, Give Plasma, Share Life, Share Often”.

In the formal program held at the Directorate of H&FW in Kohima, special guest Principal Director, H&FW, Dr Vibeituonuo M Sachü said that the day provides a special opportunity to celebrate and thank voluntary blood donors around the world for their gift of blood.

Every single donation is a precious lifesaving gift and repeating donation is the key to building a safe and sustainable blood supply, she said.

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Dr Sachü highlighted that in many countries, blood services face the challenge of making sufficient blood available, while also ensuring the quality of the blood and blood products so that it is safe for all patients.

Expounding on the theme “Give blood, Give Plasma, Share Life, Share Often”, she said that it focuses on patients requiring life-long transfusion support and underlines the role every single person can play by giving the valuable gift of blood or plasma. It also highlights the importance of giving blood or plasma regularly to create a safe and sustainable supply of blood and blood products that can be always available, so that all patients in need can receive timely treatment, she added.

Principal Director, H&FW, Dr Vibeituonuo M Sachü

Stating that there are still apprehensions regarding blood donation in the minds of the people in the state, the principal director hoped that such events will create awareness to the present generation to carry the message of donating blood, its importance and value to all sections of the society in order that precious lives are saved through blood donation.

“Every blood donor is a hero. Every one of us can become a hero by giving blood,” she encouraged.

While recognizing the silent and unsung heroes who save lives every day through their blood donations, she strongly urged people to donate blood voluntarily and regularly. She also appealed all to get tested for blood group so that they can donate anytime during an emergency or distress through mobile blood banks.

To end her speech, Dr Sachü said, “Give blood, give hope and be grateful to God for good health, for being able to do such a noble act.”

Project director NSACS and Director (M&E), Dr Akuo Sorhie in her keynote address stressed that it was very important and crucial to observe the day extensively because the need of the hour is to make Nagas aware about the facts and myths regarding blood donation. There are still so much fear, ignorance and misconceptions associated with this noble act. So, our aggressive intervention is required to educate and change this mindset of our people, she said.

Dr Sorhie added, “Voluntary blood donation is vital for all patients including those many requiring lifelong and regular transfusions for conditions such as sickle cell, anemia and thalassaemia.”

Some of the specific objectives of this year campaign are:

* To celebrate and thank individuals who donate blood and to encourage more people to become new donors as well.

* Encourage people in good health to donate blood regularly, as often as is safe and possible, so as to transform the quality of life for ‘Transfusion Dependent Patients’ and to help build a secure blood supply in our State.

* To highlight the critical roles of voluntary regular blood and plasma donations, so as to ensure enough safe and quality blood is in stock in our blood banks, round the clock for any eventuality/urgent requirements.

* This day is also an opportunity for us to appreciate, to say thank you and to show our gratitude to those who voluntarily and regularly donate blood to save lives of people they may never know or meet.

Dr Sorhie urged and encouraged voluntary blood donors to continue to be the ambassadors to this noblest act of saving life and be the reason for someone’s existence, also to continue to be that vital link between life and death. Voluntary blood donors are the best motivators and inspiration to those who are healthy but yet to register or join this mission of saving lives through your stories.

The doctors also added that blood donors play a crucial role because of the fact that this vital life saving fluid called blood cannot be manufactured in factories, so we have to donate it voluntarily.

“Blood is a gift from God. We all have it in us a gift we can share to those whose life, whose tomorrow depends on just a single pint of blood to survive. So, if you have an opportunity to save a live by donating your blood today don’t let this opportunity pass by – Remember, you don’t have to be a doctor to save a life,” the project director said.

Special invitee Commandant Officer, Kohima Battalion (Bn), Assam Rifles (AR), Col. SSB Sharma, in a short speech, apprised that sharing of blood in the society creates and rejuvenates humanity in the world. He said that there is a huge requirement of blood everywhere and timely intervention for blood donation could save multiple lives, adding that the Kohima Bn, AR has had 117 blood donors for the past two years and they are continuing to do so and requested the public to volunteer and donate blood to save lives.

General Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland, Akhale V Khamo also spoke on the importance of voluntary blood donation.

Miss Nagaland 2022, Hikali Achumi presented the presentation of appreciation to donors.

The program was chaired by Khrievotsonuo Terhase and blessed with invocation by SBCK assistant pastor Lujeka Assumi and concluding remark given by VBDAK Ainato Yeptho.

The program was supported by Blood Bank NHK, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, NSBTC, Assam Rifles, RAKTDAAN, Crescent International Hotel, IRCN, and Imprint.

Twenty-Eight (28) volunteers, some of which were officials of the Department, College students, and Assam Rifles soldiers, who were present at the program donated blood at the Blood Donation Camp after the programme.