Donor Recepient Laisani Danford delivers her speech during the World Blood Donor Day celebrations in Nadogo.PHOTO:SUPPLIED.
The World Blood Donor Day celebrations were held at the Nadogo Secondary School grounds in Nadogo in the Northern Division this week.
The event also saw the launching of the National Donor membership card and the launching of the establishment of the Voluntary Blood Drive Organising Forum and also the National Oratory School Contests for students.
Officiating at the event, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services acting permanent secretary Dr Meciusela Tuicakau said the World Blood Donor day was established in 2004 and it is one of the eight global public health events.
“The Ministry has always taken this event to the communities throughout Fiji and last year it was celebrated in Ba, 2013 in Korovou Tailevu, Seaqaqa in 2012,” Dr Tuicakau said.
Dr Tuicakau said the Ministry strongly believes that community involvement and ownership is critical in combating health issues in the country.
“We cannot do it alone and your active involvement boosts health service delivery,” Dr Tuicakau said. “We thank the donors in these events, encourage people to donate voluntarily and create awareness.”
The National Coordinator Fiji National Blood Services Josefa Bolaqace said last year the Fiji National Blood Services managed to recruit more than 13,000 donors.
“Basically voluntary donation last year was almost 80 per cent and as far as the World Health Organisation (WHO) is looking forward to achieve 100 per cent in 2020. Fiji has already achieved 80 per cent in 2014,” said Mr Bolaqace.
He added that this year, their target for voluntary donation is 85 per cent and 100 per cent by 2018.
Blood recipient Laisani Danford said she attended the event as a voice of the thousands of people who have been saved by the donors.
“These are the people that were there when we needed them the most. I came to this celebration to thank the donors, organisers and the Ministry for saving my life,” Ms Danford said.
Press Release