Search
Close this search box.

Advertisement here

AUF Rector visits Laos

The Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union (LYU) in cooperation with Lao Red Cross and the Ministry of Education and Sports will organize a blood drive at the National University of Laos on March 17 to mark the 68th anniversary of LYU.

“The event aims to celebrate the 68th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the 68th anniversary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union to make young people realize the spirit of giving and generosity and the importance of blood donation,” said LYU Secretary-General Monxay Laomuaxong.

The Lao PDR has a population of 6.5 million people with those aged 35 years and younger sharing almost 60% of the population, according to the study co conducted by LYU and UNFPA for the Lao PDR.

“Blood transfusion saves lives and improves health. One per cent of the population needs to donate blood every year. This equals 10 bags of blood in every 1,000 people which is the minimum requirement of the World Health Organization,” said Mr. Monxay Laomuaxong.

The Lao Red Cross has set an ambitious target of having around 73,000 people donate blood this year, according to Mr Chanthala Souksakhone, Head of the National Blood Institute, Lao Red Cross.

Last year, blood donation by general public members reached 68,000 units. Most of them were from young people.

“Anyone wishing to donate blood must be healthy, weighed at least 45 kg or higher and aged 17 years or older,” added Mr Chanthala Souksakhone.

There will be health check-up for people who join the event along with the dissemination of information about reproductive health, an exhibition, a question-and-answer session on blood. The participants will also be able to learn and practice first aid skills taught by a rescue team of Lao Red Cross.

Source: Lao News Agency