Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Chairman Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, popularly called JK, stated that 90 percent of the convalescent plasma obtained from blood of COVID-19 survivors was effective in curing SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, particularly in East Java.

"Convalescent plasma is a long-standing discovery that plasma from a recovered COVID-19 survivor can be donated to a person sick with COVID-19, and this has healed (the disease)," Kalla stated during a National Webinar to observe 2021 World Blood Donation Day, accessed by ANTARA from Jakarta, Monday.

Kalla, who also held the positions of Indonesia's 10th and 12th Vice President, affirmed that clinical data on plasma therapy administration to COVID-19 patients in East Java, based on a report of the Indonesian Medical Council Chairman, Putu Moda, was found to be 90-percent effective in curing sufferers.

The vice president then invited all COVID-19 patients, who had recovered, to donate their plasma to other people that had contracted the virus through 250 Indonesian Red Cross offices operational round the clock.

Kalla deems it crucial for the community to come together and create a system in which those in need of blood donations can acquire some from those who have donated, adding that the benefit not only applies to recipients but also to the physical health of the donor.

"Thank you for your participation, the Ministry of Health, the National Agency for Disaster Management, and all organizations that have helped to ensure that blood donation for humanity continues," he affirmed. Related news: Convalescent plasma donors become game changers in battling COVID-19
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Translator: Andi Firdaus/Aria Cindyara
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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