VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee (KPCPEN) Chief Airlangga Hartarto encouraged those having recovered from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to come forward to donate their convalescent plasma to help patients infected with the virus.

"Convalescent plasma from (COVID-19) survivors is expected to curb deaths due to COVID-19 in Indonesia," Hartarto noted in a statement here on Tuesday.

In addition to inoculation, blood donation has become part of the efforts to thwart the spread of COVID-19.

Hartarto, concurrently the coordinating minister for economic affairs, became a convalescent plasma donor at the launch of the Convalescent Plasma Donation Campaign.

The minister admitted to having contracted the disease and survived.

Hartarto admitted to having made some preparations before donating his blood, including conducting routine medical check-up and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

"This is an expression of gratitude because I can survive COVID-19. By donating convalescent plasma, I hope to be able to help other patients to survive," he stated.

The minister expressed hope that other survivors across the country would follow the movement.

According to the COVID-19 Handling Task Force data, as of Monday (Jan 18), some 745,935 patients had recovered from COVID-19, while the number of active cases had reached 144,798.

"If 10 percent of the recovered patients could donate convalescent plasma, we can save 70 thousand people," Hartarto pointed out.

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has set a target to receive five thousand plasma donors per month, or 60 thousand donors annually.

Convalescent plasma from each donor can be given to some 80 patients under medical treatment.

"Based on information from Coordinating Minister for Human Empowerment and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, convalescent plasma from one donor can help the recovery of 100 asymptomatic persons and patients, with minor symptoms. For patients, with serious symptoms, one donor can save 85 patients," he added. (Antaranews)