BLOOD donors are heroes.
This was the message at yesterday's national celebration of World Blood Donor in Vanua Levu.
The Seaqaqa suburb in Macuata was packed with visitors, government officials, villagers and donors who turned up to thank the heroes who had saved lives. Northern Develop-ment Program manager Waisale Tuidama said blood donors were silent and unsung heroes.
"This day is marked with events around the world to thank all voluntary blood donors for their life-saving gift of blood," he said.
"It is also to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products. The main challenge facing blood donation is fear or the sight of blood.
"Most people are just afraid of the needle or the sight of blood but I invite us today to participate in this worthy cause of saving peoples' lives and overcome all these feelings towards blood donation and become a hero today."
Mr Tuidama said there was a need for more volunteers and organisers to assist the Ministry of Health in providing such a vital product.
"It is important to support this life-saving mechanism because we do not know who may need it - a family member, a workmate, a friend or even ourselves.
"Anyone can be part of this life-saving mechanism irrespective of one's status. What is important is to know that our single donation is able to save three precious lives."
Ministry spokesman Peni Namotu said the celebration hailed blood donors for their heroic acts.
"It's a successful celebration in Seaqaqa with thousands of people turning up to witness an event that recognises the heroic acts of blood donors in our country," he said.
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