The Malta Blood Donors Association is encouraging people to donate blood.
In a message on World Blood Donors Day, Philip Chircop, senior vice president of the International Federation of Blood Donors Organisations, to which the local association is affiliated, said that in each second that ticked away someone in the world needed a blood transfusion to survive.
World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually in 70 countries on June 14 to celebrate the gift of blood given by donors to save the lives of those in need.
The association is seeking to raise awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation and to encourage new and existing blood donors to donate blood regularly throughout the year.
Mr Chircop said the National Blood Transfusion Centre required a considerable supply of safe blood from donors with different blood groups throughout the year mainly for accident victims as well as for surgical and cancer patients.
"It is therefore crucial that healthy blood donors make a commitment to give blood regularly. In addition to ensuring an adequate supply of blood at all times, regular blood donors are the safest donors because they have been educated about how to stay healthy and lead lifestyles that are free from the risk of acquiring serious infections," Mr Chircop said.
Young people, who tend to be healthy, idealistic and motivated, are an excellent pool of potential blood donors. Recruiting and retaining youth donors not only improve the long-term safety and sufficiency of the country's blood supply but can also reduce the prevalence of HIV and Aids by promoting safe lifestyles among young people, he said.
The association expressed its gratitude to donors who have given blood when required by a family or community member and encouraged such people to become regular donors. The association invited people to support its ongoing awareness campaign. Those who cannot give blood may volunteer some of their time, donate funds or encouraging others to donate blood. Employers wishing to encourage employees to donate blood at places of work may also organise groups of 10 to 15 persons at a time.
Those interested may send an e-mail to info@maltablooddonors.com or phone 9920 7043.