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Hanoi Blood Donation Campaign 2026: A Small Act, A Lifesaving Impact

19 January, 2026

THE HANOI TIMES — The true essence of the blood donation campaign lies in its spirit of selfless giving, where individuals contribute without expectation of reward.

“I’m eternally grateful to the donors whose blood saved my life after childbirth,” shared Pham Ngoc Mai Linh, 38, who received a life-saving transfusion five years ago. This experience inspired her to give back to the community.

After regaining her health two years ago, Linh became Deputy Head of the “Live to Love” blood donation club in Hanoi’s Cau Giay Ward. Since then, she has participated in 41 blood donation events, transforming her gratitude into meaningful action.

Linh describes blood transfusions as a lifeline, offering hope and precious time, especially for patients with chronic or terminal illnesses. She calls blood donation “the gift of life,” emphasizing that it costs nothing yet holds immeasurable value. “Every donation has the power to save a life,” she told The Hanoi Times.

For Linh, donating blood is a profound way to show love and support for those facing challenging treatments. Proud of her efforts, she plans to continue volunteering. She donated blood in January, April, and July 2025 and kicked off the year’s charitable activities with the 18th Red Sunday campaign. “Good deeds require no special conditions, just a heart ready to give,” she said.

Linh receives numerous certificates of merit for her outstanding contributions as a blood donor in Hanoi.

Like Linh, thousands in Hanoi have responded to the Red Sunday blood donation campaign since its launch on January 11, helping address critical shortages for emergency care and patient treatment, according to Dr. Tran Ngoc Que, Director of the National Blood Center at the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT), in an interview with The Hanoi Times.

Dr. Que noted that shortages are particularly severe during major holidays, when the NIHBT must supply at least 90,000 units of blood to 180 hospitals across northern Vietnam.

As one of the country’s largest annual blood drives, Red Sunday has evolved into a nationwide movement, engaging millions, especially young people and students.

Over the past 17 years, more than 100,000 units of blood have been collected, giving tens of thousands of patients a chance to survive and reunite with their families during Tet (the Lunar New Year).

Participants join the 18th Red Sunday blood donation campaign held at NIHBT. Photos: Anh Kiet/The Hanoi Times

During the Tet holiday, many students return to their hometowns, and community activities slow down. However, hospitals remain operational, with many children still requiring monthly blood transfusions. Without sufficient blood, patients face severe complications, including organ failure and death.

“Emergency care and treatment cannot be interrupted. I urge everyone who is healthy to donate blood regularly, as every drop saves a life,” said Dr. Que, moved by the dedication of frequent donors and encouraging others to follow suit.

The 18th Red Sunday campaign continues to attract strong participation from young people, who demonstrate kindness and social responsibility in their unique ways.

Dr. Tran Ngoc Que, Director of the National Blood Center at NIHBT, leads by example with his blood donation.

On January 15, numerous students from the National Economics University (NEU) donated blood in support of the campaign.

Associate Professor Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice Rector of NEU, stated that voluntary blood donation is a noble act, reflecting the responsibility and compassion of the Vietnamese people toward their community.

“For years, students and faculty at our university have actively participated in the Red Sunday campaign, contributing nearly 2,000 units of blood each time. We aim to inspire compassion in everyone, especially the younger generation,” Hieu told The Hanoi Times.

Freshman Ngo Duy Khanh shared, “This is my third time donating blood at the Red Sunday event. It’s a meaningful activity that saves lives, and I feel it’s my duty to participate.”

Ngo Duy Khanh and Nguyen Thu Hue, NEU students, proudly join the campaign.

“I donate blood at least twice a year, typically during Lunar New Year and summer vacation. Each donation makes me feel my life is more meaningful,” said Nguyen Thu Hue, a third-year NEU student.

Since its inception, Red Sunday has grown into one of the country’s largest blood donation programs, leading in both donation volume and public participation.

Vuong Thanh Luy, a 48-year-old civil servant in Hanoi, joins the Red Sunday campaign at the blood donation center on 132 Quan Nhan Street, Nhan Chinh Ward.

Many believe giving is simple and requires no recognition. “As long as there’s a willingness to give without expecting anything in return, everyone can make a meaningful impact,” shared Vuong Thanh Luy, a 48-year-old civil servant in Nhan Chinh Ward, Hanoi, in an interview with The Hanoi Times.

Having participated in five blood donation events, Luy views donating blood as a way to show love and support for patients. Each unit brings hope and life, and he plans to continue volunteering.

Dr. Tran Ngoc Que praised blood donors as heroes, highlighting their role in improving treatment outcomes for millions, especially those on the brink of death.

He emphasized that the impact of voluntary blood donation is amplified by the compassion and dedication of the Vietnamese people.

Currently, blood donations can be made at several locations in Hanoi, including 18 Quan Su Street, 132 Quan Nhan Street, No.10 Alley 122 Lang Road, and the Agricultural General Hospital at Km13+500 on National Highway 1A in Ngoc Hoi Commune.

Numerous donors gather at the blood donation center on 132 Quan Nhan Street in Hanoi.

NEU students actively participate in the Red Sunday blood donation campaign.

Medical staff efficiently collect blood during a day at the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion.

Launched in response to severe blood shortages in late 2008, the annual Red Sunday blood donation campaign began with its first event in Hanoi in 2009, collecting just 96 units of blood.

By 2025, Vietnam had gathered nearly 1.75 million blood units nationwide, with 98% from voluntary donors.

The 2026 campaign, running from December 2025 to March 2026, aims to alleviate blood shortages during the upcoming Tet, a period that strains the healthcare system.

As of mid-January, 19 localities have responded, contributing nearly 25,000 blood units, reaching 50% of the program’s 2026 target.