BRITISH FORCES BRUNEI (BFB) BLOOD DONATION DRIVE
Situation.
1. According to Blood Donation Centre RIPAS (Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha) hospital, the shortage of blood supply has reached a critical level, with hospitals facing difficulties in meeting the demands of patients in need of transfusions. The shortage was primarily due to a decrease in blood donations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as seasonal factors such as increased travel and the holy month of Ramadan. One of our LEC’s 7-year-old daughter suffers from thalassemia, which is an inherited blood disorder that causes a person’s body to have less haemoglobin than normal, and she requires blood (A positive) transfusion every week. As a regular blood donor, have been donating blood to this LEC’s daughter and know there are many others out there with similar or serious conditions who require blood crucially.
Attendance.
All members of BFB community including LECs are encouraged to attend this event at Chit Chat Community Centre (CCCC) and donate blood. A person who is fit and healthy, weigh over 50 kg and age 18 to 65 will be eligible to donate blood. Some circumstances render volunteers’ ineligible to donate blood; these are listed:
Volunteers are ineligible to give blood if:
a. You have had given blood in the last 8 weeks.
b. You have a chesty cough, sore throat or active cold sore.
c. You have some heart conditions.
d. You have received blood, platelets, plasma, or any other blood products after 1 January 1980.
e. You have tested positive for HIV.
f. You have had an organ transplant,
g. You are currently taking antibiotics, or you have just finished a course within the last seven days or have had any infection in that last two weeks.
h. You have had hepatitis or jaundice in the last 12 months.
i. You have had a tattoo in the last 6 months.
j. You have injected non-prescribed drugs including body-building and injectable tanning agents.
Dress.
Service personnel can be in uniform. Civilians are advised to wear comfortable clothing with loose sleeves which can be rolled up for the staff to allow easy access to their veins.
For Blood Donors – Goodie bag containing water and snacks will be provided by the Blood Donation Team for all successful donors.
Summary.
This blood donation drive will aim to encourage our BFB community to donate blood, address the critical shortage of blood supply in local hospitals and most importantly, help save lives. Through this initiative, hope to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of blood donation and encourage our community to join us in making a positive impact on the lives of others. Together, we can contribute to saving lives and fostering a stronger, more compassionate society.
Any questions regarding the event should be directed to event coordinator, Cpl Satkar (Brunei Signal Troop), 322 4101 Ext 3726, email: satkar.shahi663@mod.gov.uk
