People donate blood in the Mekong Delta's Dong Thap province. (Photo: VNA/VNS)

Blood storage now stands at only over 4,000 blood units, just enough for use only in the next few days without further supplies, the Institue said, adding that it had to cancel or postpone 80 blood donation drives in November due to COVID-19.

Blood demand is forecast to increase in the year-end period and during the Lunar New Year holidays.

The Institute said an estimated 80,000 units are needed for emergencies and treatment at hospitals in the next 3 months, but blood donation campaigns could only meet around 60% of the demand. The situation could be improved with support from the community, it said.