Key messages

  • Safe blood saves lives.

  • Blood is needed by women with complications during pregnancy and childbirth, children with severe anaemia, often resulting from malaria or malnutrition, accident victims and surgical and cancer patients.

  • Regular blood donation by a sufficient number of healthy people is needed to ensure that blood will always be available whenever and wherever it is needed.

  • While the need for blood is universal, access to blood is not. Blood shortages are acute in low- and middle-income countries.

  • Every single blood or plasma donation is a precious lifesaving gift; regular donation is the key to building a safe and sustainable supply.

  • Wide participation of the population in regular blood and plasma donations ensure that everyone can access blood and plasma proteins when they need it.

  • Ensuring the safety and well-being of blood and plasma donors is critical; it helps build commitment to regular donations.

  • Thank you, blood donors. Your selfless donations have had a profound impact on the lives and well-being of hundreds of millions of people, as well as their families and communities across the world.