January 25, 2010 - National Conference and Workshop, Kolkatta

The National Conference and Workshop on 'Strategies for Blood Donor Recruitment and Total Voluntary Blood Programme' was organized by the Association of Voluntary Blood Donors, West Bengal at the Indumati Sabha Griha, National Council of Education- Bengal, Jadavpur, West Bengal on 23rd, 24th and 25th January 2010.

Participation in the conference was only by invitation. Delegates who came from all over the country and from other countries, made presentation on the conditions prevailing in their part of the world, and the steps being taken by them to achieve 100 % voluntary blood donation. Almost all the states in the country were represented.

The inauguration of the Conference and the inaugural speech was made by Mr. Niels Mikkelsen, President of the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations (IFBDO), who highlighted on the importance of the need for blood to be met by voluntary blood donation. Health providers should organize blood for patients, and not shift this responsibility to the patients and their relatives and friends. Presentations made by various experts covered a variety of subjects like 'National Scenario', 'Motivation & Recruitment', Long Term Strategies', 'Communication', 'Blood Science', 'Public Relations', 'Training of Motivators', 'Donor Safety', 'Donor Retention and Recognition', 'Modern Technology and Application' and 'Reducing the Need for Blood'.

The second day of the Conference ended with the delegates being served a treat in the form of a classical dance performance by a troupe of dancers headed by well-known danseuse, Thankamani Kutty of Kalamandalam Kolkatta. The various performances in Bharat Natyam, Kathak and Kathakali provided a relaxing change from the tight schedule of various sessions of the Conference.

We are grateful to Kingfisher Airlines for supporting our organization, and for making it possible for us to participate in the Conference.