Blood Donor Day: One blood unit saves three lives – WHO

…Solicits more funding for blood transfusion services

DONATING just one unit of blood can save the lives of up to three patients.

  World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, gave the prediction in a message she issued today, in commemoration of 2022 World Blood Donor Day.

  Highlighting the critical role of voluntary blood donations in saving lives and enhancing community solidarity and social cohesion, Moeti said her projections were based on both clinical and scientific empirics and results.

  According to her, the global community marks the day to focus on the gift of life from voluntary unpaid blood donors around the world.

  “On this day, I urge African governments and political leaders to prioritise the provision of adequate human and financial resources to secure the future of national blood transfusion services. A blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products, in sufficient quantities, is a key component of an effective health system. 

  This is why WHO joined the call for more people to become regular blood donors, because compared to other regions globally, Africa saw a disproportionate number of conditions requiring donor blood, impacting as many as seven million patients every year. Examples include haemorrhage associated with pregnancy and childbirth, severe anaemia due to malaria and malnutrition, bone marrow and inherited blood disorders, trauma and accidents, as well as man-made and natural disasters. While the need for donor blood is universal, access for everyone who needs it is not,” she said.

  It will be recalled that World Blood Day is held June 14 every year with this year’s theme as Donating Blood An Act of solidarity, Join the Effort and Save Lives.

  Similarly, World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged governments at all levels and other political leaders in Africa to prioritise the provision of adequate human and financial resources to national blood transfusion service.

  WHO Region Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, gave the charge in a message to mark the year 2022 World Blood Donor day.