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| Ho Chi Minh City Red Cross blood donation site (Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Red Cross) |
The voluntary blood donation movement in Ho Chi Minh City began in 1994. At that time, the city received approximately 100,000 blood bags annually, primarily 250ml bags. The rate of voluntary blood donation was less than 10%.
By 2023, the movement had achieved remarkable progress, collecting over 250,000 blood bags annually. Of these, 80% were 350ml–450ml bags, and 98% or more met stringent quality standards.
Over 30 years of campaigning, the city has seen more than two million blood donations. Tens of thousands of individuals have made outstanding contributions, donating blood over 30, 50, or even 100 times. Hundreds of families, in which most members participate in blood donation and advocacy, have been exemplary. Many organizations, schools, businesses and localities regularly organize blood donation drives.
Numerous large-scale campaigns, events and programs for voluntary blood donation have been successfully implemented, attracting the enthusiastic participation of citizens from all walks of life. These include Tet Voluntary Blood Donation Campaign and the Spring Blood Festival, Red Sunday, Observance of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day (April 7), Summer Blood Donation Campaign, Red Journey and World Blood Donor Day (June 14).
The voluntary blood donation movement in Ho Chi Minh City aims to enhance its quality by encouraging donations to meet treatment and storage needs, increasing the proportion of 350ml–450ml blood bags to 90%–100%, developing additional procedures, and expanding the application of digital transformation technologies in blood donation activities.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Nguyen Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, emphasized that over 30 years, the voluntary blood donation movement in the city has made impressive progress, leaving many lasting marks. He described it as a "revolution in public awareness," with widespread influence that has helped save millions of lives and contributed to ensuring public health and welfare./.