The Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) gathered a total of 60 bags of blood from donors through a mobile blood donation program on Wednesday in celebration of World Blood Donor Day.

Organized by the Non-communicable Diseases Cluster led by Dr. Ehsan D. Paudac, in partnership with the Cotabato Regional Medical Center (CRMC), the activity aims to collect a sufficient amount of blood to ensure a steady blood supply in the region.

“We want to raise awareness that blood donations play a vital role in preserving life and fostering solitude in the Bangsamoro communities.”

The CRMC received the blood donations for storage and future usage after collecting them from donors coming from different BARMM offices.

“The celebration also serves to increase public awareness of the need for safe blood around the Bangsamoro region and to encourage more individuals to give freely,” he said.

Paudac said World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every June 14. However, the activity has been pushed later due to the conduct of other equally important activities.

“We will continue what we have started as we all know how every drop of blood can save a life during emergency situations,” he said.

In the Philippines, this year’s celebration has for its theme, “Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives”.

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The Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao received recognition and awards from the Department of Health- Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) for its implementation of the national COVID-19 vaccine deployment and vaccination program on Monday, June 20.

OIC-Minister for Health Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas thanked the DOH for the award in recognition of the vaccination programs being implemented by the Bangsamoro gov’t to end COVID-19.

Each of you, Dr. Abas said, "has played an important role in making the vaccination program a success," and he thanked them all on behalf of the BARMM-MOH, the Bangsamoro Inter Agency Task Group, and the Demand Generation and Communication Task Group. "You are the reason of the population protection the Bangsamoro region," Dr. Abas said.

Dr. Abas also thanked the health workers for continuing to address new health-related issues while also empowering the local government in addressing the challenges presented by the pandemic.

Francisco T. Duque, III, MD, MSc, DOH-CHD Secretary, personally handed over to OIC Minister Dr. Abas and Director General Dr. Usman the recognition and appreciation of the national government.

Dr. Usman said the award is dedicated to the region’s frontliners for their dedication and hard work in the vaccination campaign. "I've seen the extreme hardships you've faced with your family, as well as your ability to persevere and overcome these unprecedented challenges," he continued.

During this pandemic, you are the region's heroes.

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The BARMM office of Parliament Member Abdullah A. Ahang continued the Medical Outreach Program in the Island Provinces of the Bangsamoro region in partnership with Ministry of Health, held on June 14-15, in brgy. Tangusong, Brgy. Tomageng, Sitangkai and Brgy. Ambutong, Brgy. Tongsibalu, Sibutu province of Tawi-Tawi.

The medical team was led by Doctor Quraessa Mia Taki, the OIC Head of RESU, who provided eye exams, reading glasses, and vitamins to 124 recipients, as well as 33 wheelchairs and 12 hearing aids. Sitangkai, Barangay Tongusong Health Clinic, Barangay Naungan Health Center, Barangay Tandubato Health Center, Barangay Tongusong Health Clinic and Barangay Sapa health center of Tandubas also received various types of medicines.

"The goal of this initiative is to reach GIDAs or remote locations where medical services are scarce, so that everyone at BARMM can benefit from our efforts" said by Dr. Taki.

Saliakram Adduh, Political Affair IV, in behalf of MP Ahang, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of the medical program, particularly the MOH team, for their efforts in assisting the MP Ahang office in delivering medical outreach programs.

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