Defence Ministry launches blood donation drive hinh anh 1The Ministry of National Defence launched a blood donation campaign in Ho Chi Minh City on July 29 (Illustrative photo: VNA)

HCM City (VNA) - The Ministry of National Defence launched a blood donation campaign in Ho Chi Minh City on July 29.

The activity aims to meet the constant demand for blood for emergency and treatment for COVID-19 patients, as well as reflect the responsibility of the armed forces.

Deputy Director of the Military Hospital 175 Lt. Col. Bui Duc Thanh said the southern hub is in need of a huge amount of blood reserves amid the complexities of COVID-19, adding that staff and medical workers at the hospital donated 250 blood units at the event.

The drive is expected to collect a total of 900 blood units on the first day.

In Vietnam, it is estimated that 5,200 units of blood are needed everyday for emergency and treatment. The shortage of blood remains prevalent in developing countries, especially during disasters and epidemics./.

VNA