Health minister’s message on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day |14 June 2023

‘Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often’

“World Blood Donor Day takes place on June 14, each year. The aim is to raise global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion and of the critical contribution voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to national health systems across the world.

“The slogan for this year is ‘Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often’. The message focusses on patients requiring life-long transfusion support and underlines the role every single person can play by giving the valuable gift of blood or plasma.

“It also highlights the importance of giving blood or plasma regularly to create a safe and sustainable supply of blood and blood products that can always be available so that patients can receive timely treatment.

“Last year, in Seychelles, we collected a total of 2364 units of blood. There were 2804 transfusion of blood and their components in our hospitals on Mahé and Praslin.

“It is thanks to those who came forward to donate their blood that allowed a member of our family, a loved one, a friend or a colleague to regain their health and go back to normal life.

“On behalf of the entire country and the many babies, children, men and women whose lives have been saved through blood donations, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all our blood donors.

“A special mention also goes to the organisers in the various organisations, government ministries, schools and hotels that organise blood drives and promote blood donation within their workplaces. We cannot do it alone.

“Finally, let me take this opportunity to appeal to everyone – take the decision, become a blood donor. You will be helping to save many lives.”

Peggy Vidot

Minister for Health