World Blood Donor Day

World Blood Donor Day is observed on June 14 to raise awareness about the importance of

blood donation

and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving contributions. The day’s goal is to encourage regular blood donations so that everyone has access to affordable and timely supplies of safe blood in times of emergency.

“Donating blood is an act of solidarity,” is the theme for World Blood Donor Day 2022. Participate in the effort to save lives.” Its goal is to draw attention to the vital roles that voluntary blood donors play in saving lives. The theme intends to emphasise the importance of committed donors donating blood on a year-round basis to maintain adequate supplies and achieve universal and timely access to safe blood transfusion.

In 2004, the World Health Organization established and declared June 14 as World Blood Donor Day, commemorating Karl Landsteiner’s birth anniversary. Nearly a year later, during the 58th World Health Assembly in May 2005, WHO and its 192 member states established Blood Donor Day to encourage all nations to recognise blood donors for their selfless efforts in saving the lives of people.

The goal of the day is to raise awareness about blood donation and transfusion products, as well as the vital role that unpaid blood donors play in the health system. The day also provides an opportunity to call on governments and national health authorities to ensure adequate resources are available and to develop infrastructure to facilitate the collection of blood from voluntary, unpaid blood donors.

Women who experienced complications during pregnancy or childbirth, children with severe anaemia, accident victims, surgery patients, and cancer patients all require blood. Blood is probably the most valuable gift that one can give to another. Donating blood can save a life, or even several lives, if the blood is separated into its constituents and used separately for patients suffering from specific illnesses.

Although blood is universally required, not everyone has access to it. Blood shortages are particularly severe in low- and middle-income countries. World Blood Donor Day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to encourage national blood transfusion programmes and blood donor organisations. The observation works to promote and expand WHO’s voluntary blood donation programmes by assisting national and local efforts.

We, at Sujata Birla Hospital, urge everyone to donate their blood and lend a helping hand to this great cause.