Dr Adham delivering his speech at the virtual celebration of the national-level World Blood Donor Day 2021.
KUCHING (June 19): The Ministry of Health remains committed in ensuring that the blood supply is adequate, safe and of good quality in both the urban and rural areas, said its minister Dr Adham Baba.
“Our focus is on the contributions of the younger generation towards blood donation and maintaining blood supply in the country.
“The noble effort of blood donation encourages volunteerism, and in turn also motivates others to continue to come forward to donate blood,” he said when officiating the national-level World Blood Donor Day 2021 that was hosted in Sarawak virtually today.
Dr Adham noted that the theme this year, “Give blood and keep the world beating” is appropriate because blood donation contribute to healthcare.
“The services and sacrifices made by blood donors are greatly appreciated.
“They are national heroes because of their invaluable contributions,” he said.
Dr Adham urged everyone to continue in fulfilling their responsibility to donate blood, as well as to organise blood donation campaigns.
He said both blood donors and organisers of blood donation campaigns are heroes in their own way.
“Stay active and continue your strong support by donating blood at the National Blood Centre and all the Blood Banks nationwide,” he said.
World Blood Donor Day takes place on June 14 each year. The aim is to raise global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion and of the critical contribution voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to national health systems.
The day also provides an opportunity to call to action to governments and national health authorities to provide adequate resources and put into place systems and infrastructures to increase the collection of blood from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors.