16th Red Sunday blood drive attracts thousands of donors

A student donates blood at the Red Sunday event in Hanoi University of Science and Technology. — VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

HÀ NỘI — Red Sunday, a nationwide blood drive initiated by Tiền Phong (Vanguard) newspaper, took place on Sunday at universities, companies and youth union chapters across the country. 

Lasting until March 2024 in 45 cities and provinces, the campaign is expected to receive 45,000 to 50,000 blood units for medical treatment as the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday approaches.

Speaking at the 16th annual Red Sunday event at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, deputy health minister Dr Trần Văn Thuấn expressed his appreciation towards blood donors and their advocacy for blood drives. 

“I hope that Red Sunday, with its noble meaning, will continue to reach more people for the sustainable development of the blood donation movement,” he said.

“On this occasion, the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation and the Ministry of Health call for healthy people to join the blood drive, and particularly medical workers to be the pioneers in this blood donation movement.”

Lê Xuân Sơn, Tiền Phong editor-in-chief and head of the campaign organising committee said that the Red Sunday, which was started in Hà Nội, has now reached other northern localities, HCM City, Mekong Delta provinces, across the central region and the Central Highlands. 

“Everywhere it goes, Red Sunday is a festival that fulfils its two missions: Mobilising as many blood units as possible to better respond to blood demands in medical treatment, especially during the Tết holiday; and spreading the spirit of voluntary blood donation,” said Sơn. — VNS