Editor
Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya: The Government of Meghalaya, in partnership with Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, has introduced a groundbreaking behavioral change campaign to promote voluntary blood donation in Ri-Bhoi District, an Aspirational District in the state. The campaign was inaugurated by the Health Minister, who unveiled a dedicated missed call number for citizens to register as voluntary blood donors.
The primary goal of the campaign is to instill a cultural shift in Ri-Bhoi District, inspiring individuals to view voluntary blood donation as a noble act capable of saving lives. Through the use of technology and targeted awareness strategies, the Government of Meghalaya and Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies aim to dispel misconceptions, mobilize community participation, and empower locals to contribute to this life-saving cause.
At the heart of the campaign launch was the release of a captivating multi-lingual comic book. Through relatable storytelling, this innovative publication seeks to debunk myths surrounding voluntary blood donation and encourage the people of Ri-Bhoi to embrace the opportunity to donate blood. The comic book is designed to engage and educate individuals of all ages, making the message accessible to diverse audiences.
During the unveiling of the comic book and awareness videos, the Health Minister of Meghalaya expressed confidence in the transformative power of behavioral change campaigns, stating, "Implementing such a campaign has the potential to significantly alter the mindset and behavior of the residents of Ri-Bhoi, motivating them to engage in regular, voluntary blood donation. This, in turn, can lead to the establishment of a self-sustaining blood bank ecosystem in the Aspirational District of Ri-Bhoi."
Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, highlighted the crucial role of safe blood access in maintaining an efficient healthcare system. He expressed optimism about the campaign's impact, stating, "Through collaboration, awareness, and education, we are confident that residents will come forward to donate blood, ultimately transforming their communities and ensuring a brighter future for all."
Chetan Makam, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, expressed pride in collaborating with the Government of Meghalaya to launch this transformative campaign. He emphasized the campaign's objective of creating grassroots support for voluntary blood donation and establishing a sustainable blood ecosystem in Ri-Bhoi District.
To further disseminate information, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, plans to distribute informative pamphlets across schools, colleges, and communities in Ri-Bhoi District. These educational materials will play a vital role in raising awareness about the urgent need and significance of blood donation, encouraging active participation in this life-saving endeavor.
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