BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Facing the challenge of inadequate blood supply, Brunei government encouraged blood donors to come forward and become regular donors to ensure the country's blood banks supply sufficient, safe and sustainable, Minister of Health Haji Zulkarnain said on Wednesday.
A total of 13,037 blood donors came forward across Brunei Darussalam last year, including 3,495 new registered donors, Haji Zulkarnain said in his message on the occasion of World Blood Donors Day which carries the theme "What can you do? Give Blood. Give Now. Give Often."
However, the 400,000 population country still faces the challenge of inadequate blood supply, the minister said.
"Through blood donation, we can help various needy people and save their precious lives. A single blood donation can save three lives. No matter how science and technology advances, to date, attempts made by scientists to develop artificial blood have not been successful," the minister added.
Haji Zulkarnain further noted that the Ministry of Health aims to support and strengthen health services' capacity for preparedness and response to emergencies, including the ability to ensure adequate supply to fulfil the demand for blood and blood products for patients requiring emergency medical care.
Every year, on June 14, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The event, established in 2004 by the World Health Organization, serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood.
