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World Blood donor day

By S Mukhtar. Dated: 6/12/2018 7:08:52 AM

"Uncle: 14 June - what special day?"
"Dear, 14 June is World Blood Donor Day (WBDD). Established in 2004, the Day is since observed by all member states of the World Health Organization."
"This date of the Day - how come?"
"14 June 1868 was birthday of Karl Landsteiner who for his great discovery of the ABO blood group system won the Nobel Prize. Yes precisely to honour him was 14 June fixed as the date of the Day."
"Good Uncle, what but the need and the aim of celebrating the Day?"
"Yes. Dear, transfusion of blood and blood products throughout the world saves millions of lives every year. But in many countries, there still is not an assured adequate supply of safe blood. In 2014, for instance, 60 countries had their national blood needs met by voluntary unpaid donations: 73 countries were largely dependent on family and paid donors. And therefore the World Health Organization aims at all countries obtaining their all blood needs from voluntary unpaid donors, by 2020. And yes to highlight all this is the Day observed - true, the observance raises awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and thanks blood donors for their voluntary life-saving gifts."
"But, Great Uncle, why…and how…do you expect people to give precious blood all free of cost?"
"Dear, attention: Remember, the donor is not a loser, he too is a gainer."
"But how, please do say?"
"Yes. Donating blood lowers the risk of getting cancer, prevents from heart attacks and liver ailments, lowers cholesterol level, reduces overweight, prevents premature ageing, accelerates healing process, increases life-span, accelerates the production of new blood cells and hence better health, reduces risk of hemochromatosis (disease caused by increased absorption of iron by the body), entails a thorough medical check-up all free; above all, it blesses with a divine sense of magnanimously helping the dying in need."
"O, the giver and the taker: both gaining: wonder of wonders really! And Uncle, our State J&K…what is the situation obtaining here?"
"Well, our J&K State has 38 blood banks spread across 10 districts. And people have been heroically co-operative. One Shabir Hussain Khan, 55, papier-mâché artist from Nowhatta, donated blood 160 times over 37 years, which saved more than 100 lives. One Showkat Ali Wani, 46, from Balhama and a part time labourer, has donated blood 95 times. One Ghulam Hassan, in late 40s, a tailor from Nishat, has donated blood 71 times. Shabir Hussain Khan now leads 2100 volunteers across Kashmir all ready during emergencies for blood donation."
"But, Great Uncle: Donating blood: Any bad effects therein?"
"Absolutely none!"
"And so Great Uncle, I will go to donate blood on this World Blood Donor Day! OK?"
"OK! Congrats!"