The annual event aims to address the shortage of blood for emergencies and treatment during and after the Lunar New Year Holiday.
According to Dr. Bạch Quốc Khánh, Director of the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, the pressure to receive and supply blood before, during and after Tết is always a constant concern for blood transfusion facilities; especially for blood products like platelets that can only be stored for three to five days.
“From the success of "Red Sunday" over the past few years, we call on organistions and communities not only to actively donate blood at this time, but if eligible, to donate platelets to ensure blood and other blood products for patients,” said Khánh.
This year, the organizers have called on people to donate platelets to ensure the blood supply for patients in need. So far, the program has collected roughly 20,000 blood units. The event aims to receive 50,000 blood units from 80 drives being held in 43 provinces and cities nationwide.