Vientiane: The Lao PDR is commemorating World Blood Donor Day 2025 with a nationwide awareness campaign and a central event held under the global theme, ‘Give blood, give hope: together we save lives.’
According to Lao News Agency, the blood donation event took place on June 12 at ITECC Mall in Vientiane, attended by Mr. Khamlavan Chanthalavan, President of the Lao Red Cross; Dr. Phaivan Keopaseuth, Deputy Minister of Health; and representatives from development partners and blood donors from both the public and private sectors.
Mr. Khamlavan highlighted that World Blood Donor Day, observed annually on June 14, provides an opportunity to express gratitude to those who voluntarily donate blood and to raise awareness about the need for safe, sufficient blood supplies. He remarked, ‘There is no substitute for human blood. Voluntary blood donors offer hope and help save countless lives.’
The event aims to encourage both regular and first-time donors, fostering community engagement, compassion, and solidarity. The initiative seeks to mobilize multi-sectoral support-from government institutions to development partners-to ensure a sustainable and inclusive national blood donation system.
World Blood Donor Day was officially designated by the 58th World Health Assembly in 2005, with June 14 chosen to honor Karl Landsteiner, the Austrian biologist who discovered the ABO blood group system, a discovery that laid the foundation for modern safe blood transfusion practices.
In line with this year’s observance, Laos has launched an ambitious national blood donation campaign, aiming to collect 80,400 units of blood in 2025-34,000 units from central areas and 46,400 units from provinces. This effort is part of a broader strategy to reach 120,000 units by 2030, prioritizing voluntary, non-remunerated donations in accordance with international best practices.
Health officials emphasize that expanding public participation in blood donation is crucial for ensuring a stable, safe, and sufficient blood supply. Beyond medical necessity, the act of donating blood also symbolizes solidarity, social responsibility, and national unity.
