World Blood Donor Day is held on 14 June every year, an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO). This annual day is celebrated in recognition of the importance of blood donation and the contribution of voluntary unpaid blood donors to life-saving work. Their contribution is recognised every year.
World Blood Donor Day’s History
WHO obseded the first World Blood Donors Day in 2004, and in 2005 the 58th World Health Assembly declared the first annual World Blood Donors Day. The day is marked by the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, Austrian biologist and doctor. He is regarded as the founder of modern transfusion of blood.
Significance of World Blood Donor Day
The objective is to raise global awareness of the need to provide secure blood and transfusion blood products, and to make a major contribution to national health systems by voluntary, unpaid blood donors. The day will also give governments and national health authorities the opportunity to take action in providing adequate resources and implementing systems and infrastructure to enhance the blood collection from voluntary, unpaid blood donors.
Importance of blood donation
Safety and transfusion of blood and blood products are critical aspects of public health and care according to the WHO. It saves millions of lives and improves many patients every day’s health and quality of life. Blood is a universal need, but blood access is not available to all who need it.
World Blood Donor Day slogan this year
The slogan ‘Give blood and keep the world beating’ is the World Blood Donor Day for 2021. The message highlights the crucial role of blood donors in preserving the pulsation of the world by saving lives and improving the health of others. It strengthens the global demand that more people around the world regularly donate blood and promote better health. The role of young people in ensuring a safe blood supply will be a special focus of this year’s campaign.
