Vietnam issues first-ever postage stamps promoting voluntary blood donation
In Vietnam, the voluntary blood donation movement was first launched on January 24, 1994. In 2008, the Prime Minister established the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation.
The Ministry of Science and Technology has issued a set of postage stamps titled “Voluntary Blood Donation” to raise public awareness about the importance of blood donation and encourage broader participation in society.
This marks the first time Vietnam has released a stamp set dedicated to the theme of blood donation. The set comprises two stamp designs, each measuring 43x32 mm and valued at 4,000 VND (0.15 USD) and 15,000 VND (0.58 USD), respectively. They will be available through the national postal network from June 14 until December 31, 2026.
According to artist Nguyen Phu Cuong, the first design features a glowing drop of blood, symbolising the noble yet humble spirit of voluntary blood donation. The image of hands gently cradling hearts conveys both an act of giving and a gesture honouring this life-saving contribution. The upward-reaching posture of the hands invites viewers to envision themselves as donors. The background uses warm and energetic tones to inspire action and evoke a sense of urgency and compassion.
The second design depicts two hearts side by side - one in need of blood and the other full and healthy. A prominent red cross at the centre symbolises the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross and reinforces the message of solidarity and sharing inherent in blood donation.
Since 2004, June 14 - the birthday of Professor Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood group system - has been observed globally as World Blood Donor Day by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT).
In Vietnam, the voluntary blood donation movement was first launched on January 24, 1994. In 2008, the Prime Minister established the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation. Each year, 100 outstanding blood donors nationwide are honoured on World Blood Donor Day in recognition of their exceptional contributions.
The 2025 event marks the 17th edition. This year’s 100 honourees had collectively donated 4,800 units of blood and platelets, with an average of 48 donations per person, exemplifying compassion and the life-saving impact of their actions./.