World Blood Donor Day 2023 | Statement by WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean

“Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often” is the slogan of this year’s World Blood Donor Day, which focuses on patients requiring life-long blood transfusion or plasma protiens. The campaign highlights the role that every single person can play, by giving the valuable gift of blood or plasma, regularly.

Access to a safe and secure blood supply is vital for all patients, including many requiring life-long and regular transfusions for conditions such as sickle-cell anaemia and thalassaemia, which are prevalent in the Region. In some countries of our Region, more than half of blood donations are used for thalassemia patients. Plasma donations also play an important part in supporting patients with conditions such as haemophilia and immune deficiencies.

Lack of access to safe blood and plasma products impacts all patients. There is also a need to increase plasma donations to make sufficient life-saving plasma protein products available for patients. A safe and sustainable supply of blood and plasma can only be ensured through regular donations by voluntary and unpaid blood or plasma donors.
WHO is calling on everyone to help by giving blood or plasma regularly, so that a sufficient supply of blood and plasma is available for all those who need it at all times.

We are also calling on all countries to thank individuals who donate blood or plasma and to encourage more people to donate, in order to make access to these products a reality for everyone in need, in line with WHO’s regional vision of Health for All by All.

So please “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.”