Jamaica to Host World Blood Donor Day Ceremony
By: , June 6, 2013
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Jamaica has been selected by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to host the official ceremony for World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) for the Region of the Americas, on June 14.
Speaking with JIS News, Country Representative of PAHO and the World Health Organization (WHO) in Jamaica, Margareta Sköld, explained that one country is selected yearly to be the host country for the launch of WBDD, observed worldwide on June 14.
Ms. Sköld noted that allowing countries to host World Blood Donor Day is done in recognition of the strides made by the country, to strengthen their national blood system.
“Jamaica’s efforts are commendable and the region wanted to recognize the country for such efforts. In the last few years they have worked hard to modernize their blood transfusion services, to reach the goal of 100 per cent volume of blood through non-paid blood donation,” she said.
Meanwhile, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service of Jamaica (NBTS), Dr. Angela Scott, told JIS News that the organization is honoured to have been chosen as host country for the Americas for this year’s World Blood Donor Day.
Dr. Scott expressed the hope that the planned activities will sufficiently engage the public to learn more about blood donation, and subsequently cause them to commit to being blood donors themselves.
Director of PAHO, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, is expected to be the keynote speaker at the official World Blood Donor Day ceremony, to be held at Emancipation Park in Kingston.
World Blood Donor Day 2013 is being observed under the theme: ‘Give the Gift of Life; Donate Blood’.
Contact: Shelly-Ann Irving