Voluntary blood donation: A million hearts

Student Doan Dinh Tue, a first-year student in the Faculty of Journalism and Communication, expressed his excitement upon learning that he was among the nearly 70 members and students of the College of Television who were honored to attend the 25th anniversary celebration of the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day (April 7, 2000 - April 7, 2025) and participate in voluntary blood donation at the "VTV Blood Donation Day" with the theme: "A Million Hearts Sharing the Same Vietnamese Blood," organized by the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion in coordination with Vietnam Television.

Tuệ shared that after two attempts to register, her wish to donate blood to save the lives of patients finally came true. Not only did she contribute her blood to those in need, but her small act has also helped build a more effective and sustainable voluntary blood donation movement in Vietnam.

After 25 years of organizing the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, the whole country has received nearly 22 million units of blood.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Ha Thanh, Director of the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion ( Ministry of Health ), stated that the voluntary blood donation movement in Vietnam was launched in 1994 amidst numerous difficulties and challenges. However, under the attention and guidance of Party and State leaders; the support and assistance of ministries, departments, and socio-political organizations from the central to local levels; and the collective efforts of generations of medical staff, the Red Cross, and volunteers involved in communication and advocacy, the voluntary blood donation movement in our country has developed day by day, better meeting the healthcare needs of the people.

On April 7, 2000, coinciding with World Health Day's theme "Safe Blood Transfusion Starts with Me," the Prime Minister issued a decision to encourage and promote voluntary blood donation among the population. Simultaneously, April 7th was designated as "National Voluntary Blood Donation Day." This marked a new milestone in promoting the voluntary blood donation movement nationwide.

In 2000, the whole country received more than 230,000 units of blood (voluntary blood donation accounted for 30%). After 10 years, by 2010, more than 674,000 units of blood had been received (voluntary blood donation accounted for nearly 85%).

By 2024, the whole country had received more than 1.7 million units of blood (with voluntary blood donation accounting for over 98%), thereby providing more than 3 million blood products to over 700 medical facilities nationwide. After 25 years of organizing the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, the whole country has received nearly 22 million units of blood.

Furthermore, a network of Steering Committees for Voluntary Blood Donation has been established in 100% of provinces and cities; over 90% of districts; and over 86% of communes and wards. The National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, as the leading specialized institute under the Ministry of Health and a member of the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation, has made significant efforts, constantly pioneering and innovating, and acting as a "leading force" in communication and mobilization. The Institute has also initiated and launched many nationwide blood donation programs and events, such as the Spring Blood Donation Festival, the Red Journey, and Red Sunday, attracting millions of people across the country to participate.

According to Nguyen Hai Anh, Vice President, Secretary General, and Head of Operations of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, from its early days filled with difficulties and shortages, after 25 years of organizing the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, the movement has gradually spread widely, becoming a beautiful cultural aspect of compassion in Vietnam. Millions of people have readily donated their precious blood to extend the lives of patients in critical condition, with the motto: Every drop of blood given saves a life.

Notably, voluntary blood donation has become a widespread movement, attracting and receiving attention from the entire society. While previously few organizations held such events, voluntary blood donation has now become an annual activity and a proud cultural aspect of many agencies, businesses, and schools. In particular, while previously blood donors were primarily young people and students, it has now expanded to include all segments of society, regardless of age, gender, occupation, ethnicity, religion, or region.

In the context of an aging population, epidemics, natural disasters, climate change, and increasingly complex public health issues, the demand for blood for emergency and treatment purposes will certainly increase.

This requires the voluntary blood donation movement to be continuously maintained, innovated, and developed more strongly. This includes continuing to build and develop a regular and stable blood donation force according to appointment schedules; innovating campaigning and communication methods, applying digital technology to reach the community more effectively; expanding the target audience, especially among youth, the armed forces, businesses, and the general public, with the motto: One blood donation is one sowing the seeds of hope and life for someone in need. At the same time, it is necessary to spread the message "Blood donation - a priceless gift from the heart" to all people across the country.

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