Newmai News Network Aizawl | October 1 As much as 26,248 units of blood have been donated in Mizoram during the fiscal 2017 - 2018, out of which voluntary blood donation accounted 83.36 %(21,880 units) according to Lalrinkima, General Secretary of Association for Voluntary Blood Donation (AVBD) during the observance of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day in Aizawl on October 1. Of the 21,880 units of blood given under voluntary donation, 15,601 units (59.44%) were donated by various associations and youths of different churches, while 6,279 units (23.92%) were donated by individual donors, Lalrinkima also said. He further said that efforts are on to achieve 100 % voluntary blood donation in near future. According to him, from April to August, at least 11,461 units of blood have been donated in various hospitals where voluntary donation accounted 83.20 per cent (9,532 units). Organized by Mizoram States AIDS Control Society (MSACS) in association with Association for Voluntary Blood Donation (AVBD), National Voluntary Blood Donation Day was observed on Monday with a theme “Happiness is donating blood” in different parts of Mizoram during which mass voluntary blood donation was organized in various colleges across the state. In Aizawl, the observance of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day was held at Hrangbana College. National Health Mission (NHM) director Dr Lalrozama graced the event as chief guest. Speaking on the occasion Lalrozama urged the youths to maintain healthy life and abstain from drugs and "sexual immorality" in order to be a donor. He added that massive efforts should be taken to achieve 100 per cent voluntary blood donation in the state. AVBD president, C Lalnunnema emphasized on the need for regular donors despite the growing consciousness among youths and NGOs to organize mass voluntary blood donation camp. According to Lalnunnema, of the 83 % voluntary blood donation, 30 %came from female donors which crossed the national average of 5%. As per latest information, 200 youths including 66 females donated their bloods in Aizawl, 87 people including 36 females in Lunglei and 27 youths comprising 24 males and 3 females donated their blood in Siaha on the occasion of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day.
