On World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on 14 June 2024, WHO, its partners and communities across the world will unite behind the theme: 20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors! World Blood Donor Day is commemorated annually on June 14th, with the primary goal of increasing awareness regarding the significance of blood donation and the necessity of secure blood and blood products in times of crises. Established in 2004, this global event also serves as a platform to acknowledge the vital role of blood donors in enhancing health and preserving lives.
World Blood Donor Day 2024
World Blood Donor Day 2024 emphasizes the significance of blood donation in treating various medical conditions like blood loss, Anemia, and cancer. Donating blood to blood banks or organizations collecting blood for transfusion is crucial for ensuring a steady supply of healthy blood for healthcare. The annual observance of World Blood Donor Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and encourage more individuals to participate. As preparations are made to commemorate this special day, it is essential to remember key points.
Date:
World Blood Donor Day is commemorated annually on June 14, and this year it will be on a Friday.
History:
In 1940, Richard Lower, a scientist, successfully conducted a blood transfusion between two dogs, leading to the advancement of contemporary blood transfusion methods and the establishment of blood donation and transfusion as routine practices in healthcare. The World Health Assembly designated June 14 as World Blood Donor Day in 2005, and it has been commemorated annually since then.
Significance:
This year’s World Blood Donor Day theme is “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors.” The day aims to raise awareness about blood donation’s significance and support communities by ensuring a steady supply of healthy blood for the healthcare sector. The World Health Organization expressed gratitude to blood donors worldwide for their life-saving contributions and highlighted the impact on both recipients and donors. The occasion also serves as an opportunity to address ongoing challenges and advance efforts for universal access to safe blood transfusions.
World Blood Donor Day 2024 Theme:
This year, World Blood Donor Day is commemorating its 20th year, with the theme being ’20 years of celebrating giving: gratitude to blood donors!’
Objective: The campaign for this year aims to acknowledge volunteer blood donors who have contributed to saving millions of lives worldwide. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of encouraging regular blood donation among both young and general populations.
Know criteria for blood donation
Blood donation is a straightforward procedure that has the potential to save a person’s life. Donating blood not only aids the recipient but also provides various health advantages to the donor. Donors must meet certain basic health requirements to be able to donate blood safely, as outlined by WHO guidelines.
- Weigh at least 50 kg (in some countries donors should not weigh less than 45 kg)
- Be between 18 and 65 years of age
- Not have a cold, flu, sore throat or any other infections.
- Have a haemoglobin count that is not less than 12.5 g/dl
- Should have normal blood pressure during the donation process
You cannot donate blood if:
- You are a pregnant or lactating woman
- You have recently had a tattoo or body piercing in the past 6 months
- You have tested HIV positive
- You have ever injected recreational drugs
- Consumed alcohol 48 hours prior to donation
- Those who have undergone surgery in the previous six months
- People with active tuberculosis
Blood Donation: Benefits For Health
1. Donating Blood Lowers Harmful Iron Stores & Reduces the Risk of Developing Cancer
Donating blood reduces iron levels in the body, helping to maintain balance. Lower iron levels prompt the body to produce new blood, decreasing the risk of cancer with regular donations.
2. Donating Blood Lowers the Risk Of Heart Attack and Liver Disease
Donating blood can reduce blood pressure, minimize cardiovascular risk factors, and lower the chances of experiencing a heart attack. Giving blood annually can decrease the risk of a heart attack by 88 percent. Individuals with iron overload store excess iron mainly in the heart and liver, leading to significant damage, but regular blood donation can help maintain a balance in these organs. Blood donation also aids in reducing iron deposits and preventing liver issues.
3. Blood Donation Reveals Potential Health Problems
Regularly monitoring blood quality helps in identifying health issues before they escalate into life-threatening conditions. Another method to monitor cardiovascular health is through regular blood donation. Donating blood includes a mini-physical check-up to assess pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, hemoglobin levels, and other key indicators.
4. Donating Blood Improves Mental State
Assisting others can alleviate loneliness, enhance emotional and physical health, and foster a sense of connection. Volunteering can also lower depression risks in individuals aged 65 and above.
5. Blood Donation Also Helps Burn Calories
Donating a pint of blood can burn around 650 calories, contributing to body weight management and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
6. Blood Donation Increases the Production of New Blood Cells
New blood cells are generated within 30 to 60 days, replacing all lost red blood cells. Donating blood supports essential health benefits by thinning the blood, reducing friction in veins and arteries. The body’s system starts operating within 48 hours of blood donation with the assistance of bone marrow and decreases total cholesterol levels.
World Blood Donor Day Images
