The annual event was co-organized by the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion and the Hanoi Youth Blood Donation Mobilization Association. It saw the presence of Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan and Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien.

On the theme of “Sharing the red blood drop – Bringing hopes”, this is the largest festive day of benevolent hearts towards the community, which has received a strong response from individuals and organizations, said Minister Tien.

She appreciated donors for their good deeds to partly save patients suffering from serious illnesses.

So far, as many as 10,000 people have already registered to donate blood at the festival, which is expected to collect over 6,000 blood units to ease blood shortages in hospitals after the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.

During the festival, many culture and sports events also took place in Hanoi, including a camping program, folk games, Valentine’s Day program, and music and dance performances.

• Blood donation day eases shortages over Tet holiday
• First national conference on blood donation
• Third “Voluntary Heart” festival launched in Hanoi
• Over 400,000 blood units donated in first six months

• New approach to blood donation