World Blood Donor Day: Give Blood, Give Plasma, Share Life, Share Often

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“Be a hero, donate blood.”

Every day, countless lives are saved and transformed through the selfless act of blood donation. By giving a small portion of their own blood, individuals have the power to become heroes and make a profound difference in the lives of others. When you donate blood, you are offering a lifeline to those in need. Whether it's a patient undergoing surgery, a cancer patient receiving chemotherapy, or an accident victim in critical condition, your donation can provide them with the precious gift of life (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Voluntary blood donation: foundation of a safe and sufficient blood supply

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What is World Blood Donor Day?

World Blood Donor Day is an annual celebration observed by nations worldwide. It aims to increase public consciousness regarding the importance of safe blood and blood products while expressing gratitude to voluntary and unpaid blood donors for their invaluable contributions to saving lives.

A crucial aspect of a well-functioning healthcare system is the provision of a reliable blood service that ensures an adequate supply of safe blood and blood products. Each year, the global World Blood Donor Day theme inspires more people to donate and also acknowledge the altruistic individuals who selflessly donate their blood to benefit strangers in need (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
14 June is World Blood Donor Day

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When is World Blood Donor Day Celebrated?

The day is always 14 June, This year again the ‘World Blood Donor Day’ will be celebrated throughout the world.

Officially it was designated as an annual event by the World Health Assembly in 2005, the Day was initiated to celebrate and thank voluntary blood donors around the world for their gift of blood. The day has become a major focus for action towards achieving universal access to safe blood transfusion.

Why is World Blood Donor Day Important?

Every donation is a valuable gift that saves lives, and regular donations are essential for a reliable and sustainable blood supply. Blood services in many countries face the challenge of providing an adequate amount of safe blood while maintaining quality (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Keep the heart of the World Blood Donor Day beating: a challenge in times of COVID-19

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This scarcity affects all patients, including those who require frequent transfusions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. One of the strategies employed by the World Health Organization (WHO) is to support these countries in enhancing the availability and quality of human plasma. This includes optimizing the utilization of plasma obtained from whole blood donations and improving patients' access to life-saving plasma protein therapies.

Theme for World Blood Donor Day 2023-Give Blood, Give Plasma, Share Life, Share Often

This years campaign slogan is "Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often."

It emphasizes the importance of regular blood and plasma donation to provide lifelong transfusion support for patients in need. The campaign aims to celebrate and thank existing blood donors while encouraging more people to become donors.

The World Blood Donor Day 2023 also highlights the critical role of voluntary non-remunerated donations in ensuring universal access to safe blood products. The objectives include building a secure blood supply worldwide and mobilizing support for national blood programs.

How many times can one Donate Blood?

The interval between whole blood donations is usually a minimum of eight weeks (56 days), while Power Red donations require a gap of 16 weeks (112 days). Most individuals can donate whole blood up to six times a year (4^✔ ✔Trusted Source
What to Do Before, During and After Your Donation

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To find out if you are eligible to donate blood you can use this Medindia calculator.

So, step forward and become a hero. Your blood has the power to heal, comfort, and bring smiles to the faces of those in need. Your generosity can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow your lead and make a difference.

Together, let's make a lasting impact. Be a hero, donate blood, and join the global community of lifesavers.

Host Country for World Blood Donor Day 2023

This year Algeria's National Blood Transfusion Service will be hosting the global event of World Blood Donor Day 2023.

History of World Blood Donor Day

14 June is the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner (1868–1943), an Austrian biologist and doctor who is credited with pioneering modern blood transfusion.

In 1901, Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood groups and devised a contemporary classification system for them. In collaboration with Alexander S. Wiener in 1937, he also identified the Rhesus factor, a crucial development that made safe blood transfusions possible (5^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Karl Landsteiner Facts

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How did World Blood Donor Day Start?

World Blood Donor Day was initially observed in 2004 and later recognized as an annual global event by the fifty-eighth World Health Assembly in 2005. It takes place on 14 June every year worldwide to increase awareness about the significance of blood donation and acknowledge the invaluable contribution of voluntary unpaid blood donors in saving lives and promoting better health.

Do Your Part this World Blood Donor Day

Activities to promote the campaign may include donor appreciation events, social media campaigns, media broadcasts, and artistic events. Sharing stories of patients whose lives have been saved through donations is also encouraged to inspire others to donate (6^✔ ✔Trusted Source
World Blood Donor Day 2023

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What is the Significance of Blood Donation?

World Blood Donor Day aims to raise global awareness about the importance of safe blood and blood products, as well as the need for more individuals to regularly donate blood voluntarily and without compensation.

Becoming a Blood Donor

To become a blood donor, individuals generally need to meet certain requirements.

Age Restrictions

for blood donation vary by country, with most allowing individuals aged 18 to 65 to donate. Some countries may allow 16–17-year-olds to donate with parental consent, while others may accept donors over the age of 65 at the discretion of the responsible physician.

The Minimum Weight Requirement

for blood donation is typically around 50 kg, although some countries may accept donors weighing at least 45 kg for specific types of donations.

Donating Blood with a Medical Condition

Donors must be in good health at the time of donation and should not have any infections or illnesses, such as cold, flu, sore throat, or stomach bug. Individuals with a history of hepatitis, jaundice, certain types of cancer, or undergoing cancer treatment are generally not eligible to donate blood.

Can I Donate Blood if I have Tattoos or Piercings?

Donors who have recently had tattoos or body piercings may need to wait for a certain period before donating blood. The waiting period is usually around 6 months for tattoos and piercings, but if the body piercing was performed by a registered health professional and has fully healed, blood donation may be possible after 12 hours.

Blood Donation After Travel to Another Country?

Travel to certain areas with mosquito-borne infections or cumulative exposure to specified countries or areas may result in temporary deferral from blood donation.

Behaviors that can Stop you from Donating Blood

Certain behaviors, such as engaging in "at risk" sexual activity, having a positive test for HIV, or injecting recreational drugs, may lead to permanent deferral from blood donation.

Donating Blood during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Period

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals may have specific deferral periods following childbirth or during breastfeeding.

National eligibility guidelines provided by local blood services should be consulted for more detailed information on specific health conditions, medications, professions, or travel history that may affect eligibility to donate blood.

References:

1. Voluntary blood donation: foundation of a safe and sufficient blood supply - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK305666/)
2. 14 June is World Blood Donor Day - (https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day)
3. Keep the heart of the World Blood Donor Day beating: a challenge in times of COVID-19 - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34704553/)
4. What to Do Before, During and After Your Donation - (https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/before-during-after.html)
5. Karl Landsteiner Facts - (https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1930/landsteiner/facts/)
6. World Blood Donor Day 2023 - (https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2023)

Source-Medindia