VOINews, Jakarta: The Indonesian Blood Donor Committee (KDDI) is set to strengthen partnerships with blood donors across the country, aiming to both recognize the contributions of regular donors and enhance the national blood supply. This initiative is in response to Indonesia’s ongoing blood shortage and the critical role of donors in saving lives.
During a press conference held at KDDI’s Central Secretariat Office in Jakarta on Saturday, KDDI Chairman Edward Napitupulu highlighted the significance of this effort, which will be realized through a national seminar titled *"Understanding Blood Donation in Indonesia: Challenges and Opportunities in the Era of Advanced Technology."* He emphasized that the seminar will bring together donors and health experts to discuss ways to improve blood donation systems in the country.
Napitupulu stressed the importance of blood donors, describing them as unsung heroes whose contributions are often underappreciated. He noted, "We come from different backgrounds, but our blood unites us in serving the nation. The absence of donors would create significant challenges for patients in need of blood transfusions." He also pointed out the seminar's aim to not only honor these donors but to also provide a platform for further engagement between them and healthcare professionals.
Over time, there has been a noticeable decline in the appreciation and recognition of regular blood donors, which has impacted public awareness about the importance of donating blood. According to Napitupulu, this trend is alarming, especially given that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that every country should maintain a blood supply equivalent to at least 2% of its population.
With Indonesia’s population now estimated at 282 million according to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ latest figures, the country would ideally require approximately 5.6 million units of blood annually. However, Napitupulu revealed that the current blood supply falls short by 1.4 million units each year, further underscoring the urgency of addressing this gap.
To tackle this pressing issue, KDDI is actively encouraging greater participation from the younger generation in blood donation drives. The national seminar, set to take place on October 15 at the Siwabessy Auditorium of the Ministry of Health, will serve as a vital platform for promoting the cause. In addition to promoting blood donation, the event will also recognize regular donors, both those registered with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and independent donors.
“We want to inspire the younger generation to contribute to this humanitarian effort while also recognizing the invaluable contributions of regular donors,” Napitupulu said. He expressed optimism that the upcoming seminar will not only raise awareness but also foster stronger collaboration between donors, healthcare professionals, and relevant stakeholders.
The seminar will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, the Chairman of PMI Bandung, a legal health expert, and representatives from the donor community. The event aims to address both the challenges and opportunities within Indonesia’s blood donation system, with a particular focus on leveraging technology to optimize the collection and distribution of blood.
By bringing together key figures from various sectors, KDDI hopes to spark renewed interest in blood donation and ensure that Indonesia meets its blood supply needs in the future./ANTARA/VOI
