(The number of) convalescent plasma donors continues to increase nationwide. I hope they may serve as a game changer
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Convalescent plasma donors may emerge as game changers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, according to Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy.

"(The number of) convalescent plasma donors continues to increase nationwide. I hope they may serve as a game changer. We can drive the spirit of convalescent plasma donors to become a distinguishing factor for our efforts to handle the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to the vaccine and 3T (washing hands, wearing masks and practicing social distancing)," Effendy noted in a written statement released on Thursday.

Since the launch of the convalescent plasma program, the number of convalescent plasma donors has quadrupled, the minister pointed out.

A report from chief of the blood donor unit at the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Linda Luktari found that 15,738 pouches of convalescent plasma were donated as of February 9, 2021.

Effendy appealed to COVID-19 survivors to come forward to donate their convalescent plasma.

Convalescent plasma from patients, who have already recovered from COVID-19, may contain antibodies against the disease. Administering this convalescent plasma to hospitalized people currently battling COVID-19 may aid their recovery.

It has been a difficult task for several hospitals that receive convalescent plasma to seek convalescent plasma donors, while on the other hand, the number of patients in need of it is on the rise.

Dr Shinta Vera Renata Hutajulu, Sp. An-KIC of Mayapada Hospital, remarked that the hospital encountered difficulties in finding convalescent plasma donors since several of them failed to meet the requirements.

"The question now is whether COVID-19 survivors, who have once received convalescent plasma therapy, are willing to become donors," she stated.

Related news: Task Force urges COVID-19 survivors to donate convalescent plasma
Related news: Minister urges COVID-19 survivors to donate convalescent plasma
Related news: Police officers in East Java's Jember donate convalescent plasma

Translator: Aditya Ramadhan/Suharto
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2021