Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has called on young people across the Maldives to take a more active role in blood donation, as the nation struggles to meet international benchmarks for maintaining a stable and sufficient blood supply.
The Minister’s remarks came during a special ceremony held at the Maldives National University to mark World Blood Donor Day. Addressing the gathering, Minister Nazim emphasized the critical need to cultivate a strong national culture of voluntary blood donation, particularly among youth.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, at least one percent of a country’s population should donate blood regularly to maintain an adequate reserve. The Maldives, however, continues to fall short of that target.
“We are still not meeting the standard required to guarantee a reliable blood supply,” the Minister noted. “This is especially concerning when we consider the high domestic demand, particularly from Thalassemia patients.”
He revealed that patients with Thalassemia, a common genetic disorder in the Maldives, require approximately 900 pints of blood every month. An additional 1,400 pints are needed to support other medical treatments, surgeries, and emergencies nationwide.
In an effort to address this shortfall, the Ministry of Health has partnered with 24 higher education institutions to raise awareness and promote blood donation among students. The collaboration, announced as part of this year’s World Blood Donor Day initiatives, is aimed at inspiring a new generation of regular donors.
Minister Nazim urged universities and colleges to actively support the government’s campaign, encouraging student-led drives and campus-wide outreach. “We want young people to not only understand the life-saving value of blood donation but to also become advocates for a healthier, more compassionate society,” he said.
The Maldives Blood Services continues to advocate for routine, voluntary donations, recommending that eligible individuals donate blood every three months. Officials say this consistent approach is essential for building a secure and sustainable national blood supply.
World Blood Donor Day, observed annually on June 14, serves as a global reminder of the vital role that voluntary blood donors play in saving lives—and the ongoing need to ensure that every patient in need has timely access to safe blood.
