KATHMADU: Week-long programmes organised to mark the World Blood Donor Day ended here on Sunday. Addressing the function, Defence Minister Bidhya Bhandari expressed her solidarity with volunteer blood donation. She appealed to the defence personnel to donate blood. The defence minister appreciated the contribution of Nepal Red Cross Society and Blood Donors’ Association-Nepal in the field of blood donation and collection. Dr Dirgha Singh Bom, secretary of the Ministry of Health and Population, said, “The ministry has been creating awareness among the people as they have lots of misconceptions regarding blood donation and utilisation of other freely available health services.” Bom also sought financial assistance from the World Health Organisation for health related programmes.