Fiji Red Cross launches Blood Drive
Suva, 6 August 2021 – Fiji is experiencing a blood shortage and the Fiji Red Cross is encouraging all eligible donors to give quickly. Blood is needed every day for ‘pregnant mothers, accident victims, cancer patients, complications of diabetes and patients who need surgery.
The need for blood continues to be an urgent priority.
The Fiji Red Cross Society (FRCS) is urgently appealing to the public to donate blood. Under its auxiliary role to Government, the FRCS has increased its support to the Fiji National Blood Service to address this urgent need.
Over a hundred volunteers have undergone comprehensive training and will be recruiting blood donors across the country through the use of telephones. This is to ensure that we have an adequate number of donors who will provide blood for everyone who requires it and to assist hospitals in meeting their blood demand.
The Fiji National Blood Service Director, Mr Josefa Bolaqace said:
“For those who are concerned on whether it’s safe to donate blood during this pandemic, be assured that our blood drive will follow the highest standards of safety and infection control. Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are still eligible to donate blood, however, a person would need to wait seven days after getting the vaccine before donating.”
The blood campaign appeals to new blood donor recruits to come forward and register their interest via phone or online platforms. Television and newspaper advertising and active recruitment via telephone calls will take place.
Fiji Red Cross Society Director General, Ilisapeci Rokotunidau said:
“In the past, our blood donors have helped ensure blood supply remained sufficient. With the current challenges of COVID-19, it is critical that people do not stop donating now.”
Individuals willing to donate blood can contact the following numbers:
Central: 8903885
Western: 992 0297
Northern: 999 2464
Or can register online through the Fiji Red Cross Facebook page
For more information or media interviews, contact:
In Suva: +679 999 2847, info@redcross.com.fj
About Fiji Red Cross Society
The Fiji Red Cross Society is a dynamic humanitarian organisation that has been providing humanitarian assistance to affected communities in Fiji for more than 50 years. Our programmes are delivered through a network of 16 Branches and 3 Divisional Red Cross Centres.