World Blood Donor Day - Meeting a critical need
Blood transfusion is a vital component of health care. The threat to life due to insufficient blood stocks and the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections calls for a safe and adequate blood supply for all those requiring transfusion. As the need for blood increases globally, young people can make an important contribution by donating blood regularly and by recruiting other young people to become donors.
While this day creates awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation and encourages more people to become regular blood donors, it also celebrates and thanks all those who voluntarily donate their blood without any reward.
The World Health Assembly 58.13. held on 28 May 2005, agreed to establish an annual World Blood Donor Day and to celebrate it on 14 June each year. Its members recognized that voluntary, non remunerated blood donation is the cornerstone of a safe and adequate national blood supply that meets the transfusion requirements of all patients.