AKP Phnom Penh, July 01, 2025 --

Cambodia faces a critical shortage of blood, requiring at least one unit every five minutes to save lives, according to the National Blood Transfusion Centre.

Officials are making an urgent appeal to the public for more donations.

Dr. Heng Sok Chamroeun, Deputy Director of the National Blood Transfusion Centre, highlighted the pressing need at a voluntary blood donation event organised on July 1 by the Ministry of Information.

She emphasised that donating blood is not only safe but also offers health benefits to donors, including free, confidential screenings for blood-borne infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

"Blood donation helps reduce the risk of certain cancers and can lower high blood pressure, while also giving donors a sense of joy and refreshment," Dr. Sok Chamroeun stated. She urged all Cambodians, especially young people, to consider blood donation a vital humanitarian act.

Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra echoed these sentiments, underscoring the life-saving impact of blood donations for patients in critical condition, such as traffic accident victims and those undergoing surgery.

He commended the Ministry of Information officials for their participation, encouraging them to donate two to three times annually to help meet the high demand.

"Donating blood is a highly meritorious act because blood is life," Minister Pheaktra affirmed. He reiterated the constant need for blood, particularly for victims of road accidents and surgical patients, reinforcing the call for a unit of blood every five minutes.

Both officials stressed that meeting this crucial demand requires the active and generous participation of all eligible donors.

By K. Rithy Reak