Extending a hand: Daniel giving a thumbs up during his fifth blood donation recently.
OVER the past two years, I have donated blood five times, and every session has deepened my resolve to help others.
My first encounter with blood donation occurred when I was 19, at my university. A local hospital organised a blood drive on campus, inviting students and staff to participate.
The event came with simple requirements: donors needed to be at least 18 years old, weigh a minimum of 45kg, and meet basic health criteria.
I had always wanted to contribute to the betterment of society, and that day, I decided to take a step forward.
During the process, I learnt that my blood type is O positive. This revelation is significant: O positive is one of the most versatile blood types, as it can be transfused to any patient with a positive blood group, including A, AB, B and O positive itself.
While I understood then that my contribution could make an immediate, tangible impact on someone’s life, the initial decision to be a blood donor was not without its challenges. I had always been afraid of needles, a hesitation that many can relate to. It was born out of a fear of pain and uncertainty.
With each subsequent donation, the experience became less about enduring discomfort and more about reinforcing my commitment to volunteerism. It also connected me to a community of lifesavers.
Every drop of blood donated carries the potential to save lives during emergencies, surgeries, or the long-term treatment of chronic conditions such as cancer.
In Malaysia, where only about 2.2% of the population reportedly donates blood annually – compared to 3.5% to 5% in developed countries – the need for blood is critical. This underscores the urgent need for more donors to meet the nation’s daily demand of at least 2,000 bags of blood.
Blood donation also has personal health benefits. Regular donations help maintain healthy iron levels, potentially reducing the risk of conditions like haemochromatosis.
Some research has even suggested that the controlled reduction of iron stores could lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Additionally, each donation includes a basic health screening, offering valuable insights into one’s health. These screenings remind me to take better care of myself.
Committed donors in Malaysia also receive practical benefits. For instance, those who donate more than twice can get a free Hepatitis B vaccination at government hospitals.
I recently took advantage of this benefit at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh, Perak. This vaccination not only protects me but also demonstrates how the system values selfless contributors.
What motivates me to continue donating is not just the altruistic aspect of saving lives, but also the personal growth I have experienced.
Initially, my decision stemmed from a sense of duty, but, over time, it has transformed into a source of self-empowerment and inner strength. Overcoming my fear of needles has boosted my self-esteem, proving that courage often lies just beyond our comfort zones.
Encouraging others, especially young Malaysians, to embrace blood donation is crucial for building a resilient community.
Education and awareness campaigns can help dispel myths, such as the belief that blood donation is painful or risky.
By organising more blood drives in universities, workplaces and community centres, we can make blood donation an accessible and celebrated routine.
Through blood donation, I have discovered that giving is more than a clinical procedure; it is a profound expression of shared humanity. It bridges differences, strengthens community bonds, and contributes to a healthier, more compassionate society.
The essence of who we are as people is not defined solely by the blood relations we share with others, but also by our willingness to share something as vital as our own blood with those in need.
Indeed, each act of giving brings us closer to a world where every drop of blood counts.
Daniel, 22, a student in Perak, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team.
For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 How would you convince someone to donate blood? Role-play with a classmate. In your role-play, include the benefits of donating blood and address any concerns. Next, switch roles and repeat the exercise. Finally, discuss the strategies that work best in persuading others.
2 Apart from donating blood, what are some ways youths can contribute to the betterment of society?
Discuss in class and create an actionable list.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide.
For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
