Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 1 (NPN): National Voluntary Blood Donation Day was observed at Immanuel College on October 1, organised jointly by Blood Centre, District Hospital Dimapur and Immanuel College, in collaboration with Voluntary Blood Donors Association of Nagaland (VBDAN) and supported by Nagaland State Blood Transfusion Council.
Speaking as the guest of honour, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, encouraged students to actively participate in blood donation while they are young, healthy and energetic. He described blood donation as a simple act of generosity that has the power to save lives.
Stressing the importance of voluntary blood donation, he noted that blood is a priceless resource in healthcare because it cannot be manufactured or artificially produced and can only come from human donors.
Dr. Chang highlighted that medical emergencies occur without warning, making it essential to maintain a steady supply of donated blood.
He urged people not to wait until a family member or friend requires blood before becoming donors.
Addressing common fears and misconceptions surrounding blood donation, he assured that eligible individuals can donate safely under proper medical supervision.
The Deputy Commissioner further emphasized that blood donation programmes in educational institutions serve a broader purpose than merely collecting blood units.
Such initiatives help instil values of social responsibility, compassion and community service among young people.
He encouraged students to become ambassadors of voluntary blood donation and spread awareness among their families, churches, communities and workplaces.
He also appreciated the contributions of organisers, volunteers, healthcare workers, faculty members and donors, while calling for collective efforts to build a society where no patient is deprived of blood due to a lack of donors.
Delivering a presentation on HIV/AIDS awareness, Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant, DISHA under the Chief Medical CMO office Dimapur, Temsuyanger Aier, stated that HIV/AIDS continues to be a significant public health concern worldwide.
He explained the global 95-95-95 targets, which aim to ensure that 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of diagnosed individuals receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
He informed that Dimapur has achieved 94 percent in HIV status awareness, 78 percent in treatment coverage, and over 95 percent in viral suppression.
Providing historical context, he said HIV was first diagnosed in 1981, while India reported its first case in 1986. In Nagaland, the first cases were detected among injecting drug users in 1994. Aier further noted that 86 percent of HIV transmission in Nagaland occurs through unprotected sex. He highlighted that Nagaland has the second-highest HIV prevalence rate in the country, with Dimapur bearing the highest burden in the state.
He concluded by stressing that regular testing, timely treatment and adherence to ART are essential, adding that individuals who maintain viral suppression do not transmit HIV sexually.
Highlighting the significance of blood donation, Medical Officer, Blood Centre, DHD, Dr. Rongsenmar Lkr, highlighted the significance of voluntary blood donation and said blood donated voluntarily was considered the safest and most reliable source for blood banks.
He said that even if one percent of eligible population donated blood voluntarily, blood shortages could be significantly addressed, lamenting that State continues to have an inadequate number of regular voluntary donors.
He further called for developing a culture of voluntary blood donation, particularly among young people and informed that eligible persons between 18 and 65 years could donate blood, with men able to donate up to four times a year and women three times a year, subject to medical eligibility.
He also highlighted that one unit of blood could potentially help save up to four lives.
Also delivering a short speech, president VBDAN, Burakum Ao, emphasised the need to organise blood donation camps throughout the year and conduct sustained awareness campaigns to promote voluntary donation.
Reiterating that blood cannot be manufactured, he dwelt on the importance of making voluntary donors indispensable to the healthcare system.
He also described blood donation as an act that gives hope to a recipient and can provide a second chance at life.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by head Botany, Immanuel College, Dr. Temsutola, invocation offered by Matron, Girls Hostel, Inaholi T Aye, welcome address by principal, Immanuel College, Dr. Sharatchandra Thingujam, while vote of thanks was delivered by convenor RRC, Ngipsho M Konyak. A total of 27 donors, including one O Negative donor, donated blood.