(VOVworld) - The 5^th Festival of sharing a drop of blood, inspiring hope has been launched in Hanoi with the attendance of Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan. The event, organized by the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion and the Ha Noi Youth Blood Donation Mobilization Association, aims to ease the blood shortage in the health sector after the Lunar New Year holiday. Speaking at the event, Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said over the last 18 years, blood donation campaigns have received active response from the public, especially young people and students. Numerous initiatives have been applied to encourage voluntary blood donation. Minister Tien said: “We appreciate individuals and organizations for your kindheartedness to donate blood for people in need. I believe that blood shortage will reduce year after year. More diseased people will be saved thanks to your blood. Please, join hand and donate your blood to save other people.” 

Student Nguyen Tuan Anh, a blood donor, shares his view: “It’s a good deed to donate a little blood to help the community. I hope my blood will be transfused to poor people and children. Donating blood is harmless to our health.”