WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY-2011 ( JUNE-14)

WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY-2011

(JUNE-14)

        A Month-long blood-donation camp,organized as part of World Blood Donor Day (June-14) the camp is being jointly organized by the state government, Department of Health, Kerala State Blood Transfusion Council (KSBTC),and the Kerala State AIDS Control Society (KSACS)  World Blood Donor Day is day dedicated to thanking and celebrating voluntary non-remunerated blood donors.

Millions of people owe their lives to people they will never meet – people who donate their blood freely and without any reward. However, the overwhelming majority of the world’s population does not have access to safe blood. Over 80 million units of blood are donated every year, but only 38% are collected in developing countries where 82% of the global population lives.

In addition, many countries remain dependent on donation by the families or friends of patients who require blood and, in some countries, blood donors still receive payment.Yet evidence from around the world demonstrates that voluntary unpaid donors are the foundation of a safe blood supply because they are least likely to transmit potentially life-threatening infections, such as HIV and hepatitis viruses, to the recipients of their blood. It is to these unsung heroes that World Blood Donor Day is dedicated.

World Blood Donor Day builds on the success of World Health Day 2000 which was devoted to the theme ‘Blood Saves Lives. Safe Blood Starts With Me. The enthusiasm and energy with which this day was celebrated indicated that there would be a positive response to an opportunity to give thanks to the millions of people who give the precious gift of life. It also builds on International Blood Donor Day organized annually by the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations since 1995.

On 14 June 2011, countries worldwide will celebrate World Blood Donor Day with events to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2011 is, "More blood. More life." This theme reinforces the urgent need for more people all over the world to become life-savers by volunteering to donate blood regul WHO chose 14 June as the day to recognize the millions of people who save lives and improve the health of others by donating blood. The Day highlights the need to regularly give blood to prevent shortages in hospitals and clinics, particularly in developing countries where quantities are very limited. Out of the 80 countries with low blood donation rates (fewer than 10 donations per thousand people), 79 are developing nations.  The annual event focuses on motivating more people to become blood donors. It demonstrates how health systems and policy-makers work to make blood transfusions safe and accessible to people worldwide. The Motto this year (2011) is more blood, more life’ Encouraging more people to donate blood and extending support to such initiatives is the main aim of such programmes” Regular donors were honored at the function.

      Kottarakara based Kurakar cultural Forum conducted a Health class at Kurakar Town Center, Kottarakara on 14th June, 2011. Prof. John Kurakar, Dr. Abraham, Dr Balan Nair, Dr. M.N Murali, Mr Sam Kurakar, Mr Bobby Kurakar, Mr Sadasivan, Mr Manu Kurakar, Mr Kunjachan, Mr Jacob Kurakar were actively participated the Health class.

                                                                           Prof. John Kurakar