The Ministry of Health and Medical Services will be conducting an in-house blood drive today as part of the blood drive campaign to increase the stock at the blood bank.

Leading by example as a frequent blood donor, the Minister for Health Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete will donate the first pint of blood which will be followed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Bernadette Welch and other staff.

This consolidates the World Health Organization’s goal for all countries to obtain all their blood supplies through voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors from low-risk populations in accordance with World Health Assembly resolution which was adopted in 1975.

The National Manager Blood and Ambulance Services Josefa Bolaqace says that the aim is to reach the 100% self-sufficiency of blood supply by 2020.