More than one thousand Fijians turn up to donate blood

Suva, 27 September 2021

More than one thousand Fijians have now come forward to donate blood and help save lives as part of Fiji Red Cross Society’s (FRCS) nationwide blood drive campaign, which started in August. The country’s blood supply has been impacted by the current COVID-19 outbreak. As the country continues to work towards a fully vaccinated population target to help fight COVID-19, support is still needed to help meet the blood demand of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

Fiji Red Cross Society Director General, Ilisapeci Rokotunidau said:

“It is really pleasing to see the huge turnout at all our blood drive locations across the country. This is indicative of the fact that despite the current situation, people are still willing to donate blood to help save lives.”

“The need for blood does not stop during a global pandemic. Blood donors save lives every day through their blood donations. Every second, there may be a patient waiting for a blood transfusion to survive.”

Over a hundred FRCS volunteers have undergone training and are now recruiting blood donors across the country via telephones. This recruitment will increase the number of donors who will be available to provide blood, assisting hospitals in meeting the demand and ensuring it can be available for everyone who requires it.

Fiji Red Cross Society Director General, Ilisapeci Rokotunidau said:

“I would like to encourage people who are fit and healthy, weigh above 50 kilograms, and aged from 18-65, to give blood.

“The blood bus is going around the country so I encourage people to check our Facebook page to find out if it will be located in your area or they can simply call us to register their interest and we will pick them up from their residence and drop them off once they have completed giving blood.”

Individuals willing to donate blood can contact the following numbers:

Central: 890 3885

Western: 992 0297

Northern: 999 2464

Or you can register with us here.