Philippine National Red Cross steps up blood donation drive

MANILA, Philippines – Amid the continuing rise of dengue cases nationwide, the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) has stepped up its blood donation and mosquito-breeding sites eradication programs.

PNRC Chair Richard Gordon said the alarming increase in the number of dengue cases in the first half of the year has prompted the PNRC to double its efforts to curb the potentially fatal disease.

Gordon noted that the PNRC chapter in Bukidnon has conducted cleanup drives and information dissemination in six barangays of Malaybalay City.

“It is necessary that all PNRC chapters nationwide strengthen their community-based dengue prevention program to create an increased awareness and to improve cleanliness among communities,” Gordon said.

He said PNRC has mobilized 143 Red Cross volunteers to initiate community drives in searching for and destroying mosquito-breeding sites.

The Provincial Health Office said that dengue cases in Bukidnon have reached 517, including 15 reported deaths in the municipalities of Valencia City, Quezon, Doña Carlos and Malaybalay City.     

Dengue prevention campaigns were also conducted in Barangay Bato, Sta. Cruz and Barangay Kapatagan in Digos City, Davao where 352 cases and nine deaths were recorded.       

PNRC Leyte chapter also conducted initial information dissemination drive on dengue and various mass blood donations to assist patients in their blood needs.

According to Gordon, the PNRC has also intensified its mass blood donation activities to ensure an adequate blood supply for dengue patients.