Facebook has launched the Blood Donation feature in Sri Lanka in partnership with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) and the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) to make it easier for people to donate blood. To date, 24 blood cluster centres have been linked in this joint initiative. “The world is becoming increasingly connected due to social media,” said Minister of Health, Pavithra Wanniarachchi. “We look forward to working with Facebook and partners, to digitise and strengthen our healthcare system and make it easier for people to stay informed and connected while facilitating blood donations. We encourage anyone who is able and willing, to sign up and contribute to the wellbeing of all citizens in the country.” A press briefing was held to discuss the launch of Facebook’s Blood Donation feature.
“The National Blood Transfusion Service of Sri Lanka is driven by voluntary non-remunerated blood donors,’’ said Director of NBTS, Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe. “The Facebook Blood Donation feature enables direct communication with blood donors islandwide and this will be a valuable asset to our service, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“Facebook hopes to build communities that support each other in times of need,” said Policy Programs Manager for Sri Lanka at Facebook, Yasas Vishuddhi Abeywickrama. “Because of the global pandemic, more people are using digital platforms to create health awareness and form support systems. We are happy to work with the government and partners to make it easier to donate and ensure that more people have access to safe and sustainable blood supply.”