Hanoi blood donation campaign 2026: Small deed, big meaning

THE HANOI TIMES — The greatest value of the blood donation campaign lies in its spirit of sharing, embodied by people who give selflessly without expecting anything in return.

“I am forever thankful to those who donated blood that helped save my life after childbirth,” said Pham Ngoc Mai Linh, 38, who received a life-saving transfusion five years ago, a personal experience that later inspired her to give back.

After recovering her health two years ago, she became Deputy Head of the "Live to Love blood donation club in Hanoi’s Cau Giay Ward and has since participated in 41 blood donation events, turning gratitude into meaningful action.

Linh described blood transfusions as a source of life, hope and precious time, especially vital for patients with chronic or terminal illnesses. Calling blood donation “the gift of life,” she told The Hanoi Times that it costs nothing yet is worth more than money, highlighting the life-saving value of every donation.

For Linh, donating blood is a way to show love and support those undergoing difficult treatments. Proud of her work, she plans to continue volunteering, noting that she donated blood in January, April, and July 2025 and began the year’s charitable activities with the 18th Red Sunday campaign. “Good deeds don’t require special conditions, just a heart ready to give.”

Like Linh, thousands of people in Hanoi have responded to the Red Sunday blood donation campaign since its official launch on January 11, helping address critical shortages for emergency care and patient treatment, Dr. Tran Ngoc Que, Director of the National Blood Center at the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT), shared with The Hanoi Times.

Que noted that shortages are especially severe during major holidays, when the NIHBT must supply at least 90,000 units of blood to 180 hospitals across northern Vietnam.

As one of the country’s largest annual blood drives, Red Sunday has grown into a nationwide movement, engaging millions of people, particularly young people and students.

Over the past 17 years, more than 100,000 units of blood have been collected, giving tens of thousands of patients a chance to survive and reunite with their families during Tet (the Lunar New Year).

During the Tet holiday, many students return to their hometowns and community activities slow, but hospitals continue operating, with many children still needing monthly blood transfusions. Without sufficient blood, patients risk severe complications, including organ failure and death.

"Emergency and treatment cannot be interrupted. I hope that everyone who is healthy enough will donate blood regularly, as every drop of blood given saves a life." Que said he is moved by many people donating their blood many times and encourage others to follow.

The 18th Red Sunday campaign has continued to draw strong participation from young people, who have been showing kindness and social responsibility in their own way.

On January 15, numerous students of the National Economics University (NEU) donated blood in response to the campaign.

Associate Professor Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice Rector of the university, said that voluntary blood donation is a noble act, demonstrating the sense of responsibility and compassion of the Vietnamese people towards their community.

"For many years, students and teachers at our university have regularly joined the Red Sunday blood donation campaign and each time has received nearly 2,000 units of blood. We would like to ignite compassion in every person, especially young generation," Hieu told The Hanoi Times.

Freshman Ngo Duy Khanh said: “This is the third time that I have donated blood at the Red Sunday event. It is a meaningful activity that can save lives and it’s something I feel I should do.”

"I donate blood at least twice a year, usually during Lunar New Year and summer vacation. After each blood donation, I feel my life is more meaningful," said Nguyen Thu Hue, a third year student of the NEU.

Since its inception, the Red Sunday has grown into one of the country’s largest blood donation program, leading in both the volume of donations and public participation.

Many people believe giving is simple and needs no recognition. “As long as there is a willingness to give without expecting anything in return, everyone can do something meaningful,” Vuong Thanh Luy, a 48-year-old civil servant in Nhan Chinh Ward, Hanoi, talked with The Hanoi Times.

Having taken part in five blood donation events, he said donating blood is a way to show love and support patients, as each unit brings hope and life, and he plans to keep volunteering.

Dr. Tran Ngoc Que praised blood donors for helping improve treatment outcomes for millions of patients, especially those on the brink of death, calling donors heroes.

He said the impact of voluntary blood donation is multiplied by the compassion and dedication of the Vietnamese people.

Currently, blood donations can be made at several locations in Hanoi, including 18 Quan Su Street, 132 Quan Nhan Street, No.10 Alley 122 Lang Road and the Agricultural General Hospital at Km13+500 on National Highway 1A in Ngoc Hoi Commune.

Launched in response to severe blood shortages in late 2008, the annual Red Sunday blood donation festival began with its first event in Hanoi in 2009, collecting just 96 units of blood. By 2025, Vietnam collected nearly 1.75 million blood units nationwide, 98% of them from voluntary donors. The 2026 campaign, running from December 2025 to March 2026, aims to ease blood shortages during the upcoming Tet, a period that places heavy pressure on the healthcare system. As of mid-January, the campaign has been responded by 19 localities with nearly 25,000 blood units gathered, reaching 50% of the program’s blood units targeted for 2026.