Kathmandu, June 14:

Speakers at a programme organised here today to mark the World Blood Donor Day urged all to save the lives of people in danger by donating blood.

This year the day was celebrated with the slogan ‘giving blood regularly’.

Dr Alexander Andjaparidize, country representative of World Health Organisation, said, “If five per cent of the population donated blood regularly, the world would become a comfort zone.” The WHO has been prioritising the issue of blood collection in Nepal, he said.

There is a need of blood donation, he said, “Therefore, I appeal to Nepalis to donate blood to save the lives of their brothers and sisters.”

On the occasion, regular blood donors were felicitated. Dr Ananda Shrestha, who had donated blood for the 138 times, and Neeta Ghiraiya, for the 100 times, were felicitated with the Diamond Pin.

Journalist Chandra Mani Bhattarai was felicitated for contributing to promote the blood donation programme in previous year.

Among the district-level Blood Donors’ Association Nepal, Kavre branch won the best prize for rendering the best service.

Similarly, among the private companies, Bijaya Motors bagged the best prize for providing quality service.

Thanking the blood donors, Dr Manita Rajkarnikar, president of Central Blood Transfusion Service, said blood donation was a chance to serve the needy people.

She also lauded the World Health Organisation for prioritising the blood donation programme in the country.

Sanjeev Thapa, president of Nepal Red Cross Society, said the Red Cross is dedicated to the welfare of those who are in need of blood.