A blood donation campaign was held at the Blood Donation Centre, Department of Laboratory Services, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS) yesterday.

The campaign was under the initiative of Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah ibni Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman where HRH Princess Sarah herself and some 15 classmates from Universiti Brunei Darussalam took part in the campaign.

This is the second time HRH Princess Sarah has donated blood, the first being last year on June 13.

The Blood Donation Centre, Department of Laboratory Services under the Ministry of Health welcomed HRH Princess Sarah's initiative. This is in line with the slogan World Blood Donation Day 2010 which falls every June 14 by the World Health Organisation 'New Blood For The World'.

The slogan aims to create awareness on the importance of donating blood especially among youths.

Blood transfusion is a component that is very important in health care. The threat of losing lives due to unavailability of blood stock and risks of infectious diseases through blood transfusion relies on enough blood stock for the need of blood transfusion. Since the need of blood, globally, is on the rise, the participation of youths in donating blood plays an important role.

HRH's initiative for her classmates to participate in donating blood is a goodwill practice that must be observed by youths of the country. - Borneo Bulletin (13th March 2010)