En el Día Mundial del Donante de Sangre, OPS hace un llamado para que más personas se unan como donantes voluntarios – OPS/OMS

June 13, 2024 (PAHO/WHO) – On the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, which is celebrated every June 14, this year being its 20th anniversary, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) calls to motivate more people to donate blood voluntarily to increase the availability of essential blood reserves.

Voluntary, unpaid blood donations are the foundation of a safe and sufficient blood supply. Additionally, they play a crucial role in supporting patients with a wide range of chronic health problems, such as hemophilia and immune deficiencies. “According to the latest data available for 34 countries in the Region, in 2020 8.2 million units of blood were reached, of which 48% came from voluntary donors,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Unfortunately, in many countries, demand is greater than supply, and blood services face the challenge of ensuring sufficient availability while ensuring quality and safety. Given this, Barbosa indicated that even though the general figures for the Region show a significant increase in donations and in the availability and safety of blood, the rate of blood donation per 1,000 people in low- and middle-income countries continues. being between 50 and 70 percent below higher-income countries.

This scenario alleviates the need for countries to implement sustainable blood programs, with regulated systems and services that allow them to have safe blood in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of patients.

Blood and blood products transfusions help patients live longer and have a better quality of life. It also means support in complex medical and surgical procedures, which is why they are essential in maternal and child care services and in cases of disasters of natural origin or caused by humans.

“Blood donation helps strengthen social and community ties. In addition, the promotion of voluntary donation and coordination between blood service networks contributes to improving and saving the lives of millions of people,” added Dr. Barbosa.

In this context, PAHO together with the Ministry of Health of Peru have organized a series of activities to commemorate World Blood Donor Day. Peru has been designated as the host country for the celebration in 2024, whose official ceremony will take place tomorrow, June 14, through an in-person event.

This year’s global campaign has as its motto “20 years celebrating generosity: Thank you very much, blood donors!”, through which it seeks to recognize and thank the millions of voluntary blood donors who have contributed to improve the health and well-being of millions of people around the world.

Two decades on, this milestone marks a momentous occasion to reflect on achievements, address challenges and envision a future with universal access to safe blood transfusions for patients and donors.

Participate in the commemorative events of World Blood Donor Day 2024: