Collective Blood Donation Ceremony: Commemoration event for World Red Cross Day

Members of Yangon West District Red Cross Brigade made blood donation to mark the World Red Cross Day at National Blood Bank on 7th May.

There are 12 townships in Yangon West District and some 60 members of the District Red Cross Brigade took part in the donation.  The main mission of the Myanmar Red Cross Society is to help people in need.

Chairman, YGN West District Red Cross Brigade, Dr. Aung Khin said "Our purpose is to make a person feels better from our own blood. Since Oncology departments are now opening all around Myanmar, the demand for blood supply rises by 3 times. For example, 170,000 people are in need of blood this morning in Yangon Region. Sometimes, there can be a shortage of blood supply, and we have to go to Shwedagon Pagoda and ask the pilgrims for blood donation."

To be able to donate blood, the person has to be in great shape as in bodyweight, blood pressure, and free of transmitted diseases. After donating blood, the blood volume replenishes within 24 hours.

However, the red blood cells and white blood cells could take 3 to 6 months to replenish. Therefore, the blood donors are requested to take a rest after donating their blood.

Chairman, Red Cross Brigade, Mayangone, Tin Kyaing said "I have donated blood for 118 times till now. I have to sleep well, eat healthy and take care of my body, so that I can donate blood. As soon as you donate blood, you will be tested for 6 major diseases, and will get treated if you test positive. I am still trying to donate blood once every 4 months."

Youth Com. Member

YGN Region Red Cross Society, Zaw Lin Aung said "I am a 55-time blood donor. Upon donating blood, there are both individual blood donations and collective blood donations. There are benefits in blood donating too since they test us every time we donate. Therefore, I encourage other people to regularly donate their blood as well."

d Cross Day is celebrated on 8th May each year, and Myanmar also observes the commemorative events not only to honour the local Red Cross members, but also the international Red Cross members.