Youths step up for life-saving cause

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Statistics show surge in younger generation donating blood

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: More youths are joining the noble and life-saving cause to donate blood as statistics reveal a surge in young donors from 1,871 in 2011 to 2,311 in 2012, Borneo Bulletin reported.

This was proudly revealed yesterday by Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Md Yusof, Minister of Health during his opening remarks at the World Blood Donor Day celebration. The increase evidently shows a high sense of responsibility amongst youths in the country

“I believe that a positive mindset to readily donate blood can still be inculcated at an early stage amongst the younger generation. Through such awareness, the youths can thus aid in increasing the number of donors or succeed previous ones in the future to ensure a continuous and sufficient supply of blood,” the minister said.

Based on recommendations by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the supply of blood in each country must suffice for blood transfusion and at least one per cent of the population is needed as blood donors.

In 2012, there were 13,250 registered blood donors in the Blood Donation Centre, which represents 3.24 per cent of the population. As for blood transfusion, the minister highlighted that Brunei is currently at a comfortable level and has achieved more that the percentage set by WHO for the population.

The sufficient blood supply is attributed to successful donation drives. In 2011, a total of 12,696 pints of blood were collected which can accommodate 11,523 blood transfusions. This figure increased in 2012 after 13,250 pints of blood were collected to possibly accommodate 11,427 blood transfusions.

Despite such achievements, the minister hopes that more initiatives will be implemented to increase the percentage of blood donation to ensure ample supply. He also lauded the overwhelming increase in agencies and bodies coming forward to become partners with the Blood Donation Centre in organising blood donation drives. According to statistics, in 2011, there were 97 active coordinators that increased to 101 in 2012.

“This is a good sign that a heightened level of awareness on the importance of blood donation has been achieved,” the minister said.

During the ceremony, the top 10 donors in the country received recognition from the Minister of Health. He also gave away appreciation plaques to sponsors for the World Blood Donor Day celebration. Also at the event were senior officials including Dayang Siti Aisah binti Hj old Jaafar, the chairperson of the ceremony.

Cikgu Hj Ali Yusri Hj Abdul Ghafor, from the Counselling and Career Section, Department of Schools delivered an entertaining and yet inspiring talk. The Sultanate is among 62 nations categorised under the 100 per cent voluntarily blood donation.