The Tonga Red Cross Society is calling on the public to donate blood this Friday, 13 June, during a Blood Drive held at its headquarters in Nuku’alofa, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
The Blood Drive commemorates the World Blood Donor Day on 14 June 2025, with this year’s theme: “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives”.
Tonga Red Cross is encouraging businesses, churches, schools and community groups to participate in this life-saving campaign.
The organisation’s goal is to raise public awareness about the critical need for both blood and plasma donations, while also encouraging both new and exisiting donors to give regularly to ensure a stable and sufficient national supply.
However, like many other countries, Tonga continues to face challenges with maintaining adequate blood supplies.
“Everyone who can donate blood should consider making regular voluntary, unpaid donations,” stated the Red Cross.
To be eligible for donating blood, the donor must be age 18-65 and weigh a minimum 45-50kg, be free from infections, flu or cold, and meet minimum haemoglobin levels (can be tested on donation sites). Additionally, donors should avoid donating blood if they have recently received a tattoo or body piercing (wait for six months), or if they’ve engaged in high-risk activities.
Blood Donations Save Lives
Every year, millions of lives are saved through blood transfusions, supporting:
- women experiencing complications during pregnancy and childbirth – hemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide;
- children suffering from severe anemia due to malaria or malnutrition – particularly in low-income countries where blood is often scarce;
- Patients undergoing complex medical treatments – such as individuals with sickle-cell disease, thalassemia, hemophilia, or immune disorders;
- emergency response efforts – blood is critical for trauma victims, accident survivors, and those impacted by disasters or armed conflicts.
The annual event calls for voluntary, unpaid blood donors while raising awareness about the ongoing need for safe and regular blood donations. TRCS highlighted the availability of blood and blood products is critical for medical care, emergency response, and lifesaving procedures.
TRCS said that they are committed to strengthening community participation and increasing voluntary blood donations to ensure that every patient in need has access to safe blood transfusions.
