MEGA STAR VOLUNTEER HIMSELF TO SHOW PUBLIC SUPPORT TO VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION

[BPDU]

Malayalam Cine Mega Star Mr. Dileep recently demonstrated the emphasis he places on voluntary blood donation by gathering his fans for blood donation at the Thaluk Head Quarter Hospital, Aluva. He set himself as a role model to his aficionados by donating blood publicly during the blood donation camp.

It is obvious that celebrities like film stars have great influence among the youth and adolescents. If they use this potential for good, they could actually inspire accomplishments in our society. The Blood Bank at the Thaluk Head Quarter Hospital, Aluva and the Ernakulam District Blood Donation Forum realized this fact and succeeded in persuading Dileep, the mega star and youth icon of Malayalam Film Industry, who has thousands of admirers in Kerala and in other south Indian States.

G.P. Charitable Trust, where Dileep has a major stake as founder member, was sensitized about the need and scope of voluntary, non-remunerated, regular blood donation by the Ernakulam District Blood Donation Forum during an interface organized with the Non-governmental Organizations in the District. The enlightenment motivated the Trust members to be the active associate of voluntary blood donation campaign in the District.

They organized their first blood donation programme on 21^st March 2010 at Aluva Blood Bank in association with the All Kerala Dileep Fans and Welfare Association. During his inaugural address, the Mega Star made an emotional appeal to thousands of his admirers to take leadership for the noble cause of voluntary blood donation. He reminded that no alternative has been found yet to replace blood. He urged them to become voluntary, non-remunerated, regular blood donors. Dileep wants to ensure voluntary blood donation so that no blood bank in the Sate routinely insists on replacement. He is certain that such initiatives will bridge the existing gap in the State of 3.5 million units per annum. He recommended his followers to conduct similar voluntary blood donation camps in all possible locations in the State.

The Inaugural meeting of the camp was chaired by Adv. Smitha C Gopi, Municipal Chairperson, Aluva; Dr. G. Babu, President, IMA; Mr. Nijo V.J. Consultant from Kerala State AIDS Control Society; and several other dignitaries from the district attended the inaugural function. Dileep Fans Association representatives from all the 14 Districts of Kerala donated their blood as a symbol of their commitment to propagate the message of voluntary blood donation all over the State.

Promotion of Voluntary Blood Donation is a strategy of Kerala State AIDS Control Society to ensure sufficient safe blood in all the Blood Banks in Kerala. Involvement of Celebrities like Dileep will certainly generate more safe blood donors who periodically donate their blood voluntarily without expecting any remuneration. His involvement will also be helpful in eliminating discouraging factors like fear, disbelief, etc. existent in the society, regarding blood donation. With this initiative the Mega Star proved that celebrities have the potential to do good things for our Society. During the programme he donated a dialysis unit to the Hospital. He also expressed his willingness to become the Brand Ambassador of voluntary blood donation campaign in Kerala, promoted by KSACS through HLFPPT.

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BEST PRACTICE DOCUMENTATION UNIT
IEC DIVISION, KERALA STATE AIDS CONTROL SOCIETY
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA
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Management Support by:
Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust (HLFPPT)
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