World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14 every year. This day was chosen by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and thank blood donors for coming and donating blood for noble causes. Read below to learn more.
🩸 That is #WorldBloodDonorDay 🩸
Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.
Here’s how you can #Blood Donation 🩸
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO)
June 13, 2023
What is the history of World Blood Donor Day?
World Blood Donor Day was recognized in 2004 by four major international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the Federation of Blood Donor Organizations. (IFBDO) and the International Blood Association. Blood transfusion (ISBT).
This day became an annual global event in 2005, within the framework of the 58th World Health Assembly.
June 14 is observed as World Blood Donor Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian biologist who discovered the possibility of blood transfusion between people of different blood types.
In the early days of blood transfusion, the blood is often contaminated with bacteria and can lead to severe infection and even death. Karl discovered the ABO blood group system in 1901, in which blood transfusion became possible.
WHO declared “Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood group in 1901, developed the modern blood group classification system and determined, in 1937, with Alexander S. Wiener, the Rhesus factor, thereby allowing doctors to transmit blood without endangering the patient’s life.”
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What is the theme of World Blood Donor Day 2023?
The theme of this year’s event is “Donate blood, donate plasma, share life, share often”. This theme emphasizes the importance of each blood donor and supporting the lives of patients receiving blood transfusions.
This theme also focuses on encouraging people to donate blood and plasma regularly to help ensure there is a safe and sustainable blood supply for all patients in need.
Donating blood and plasma is essential to saving lives and improving the quality of life for patients who need them. However, there is currently a global shortage of both blood and plasma. That’s why this year’s World Blood Donor Day theme calls for people to donate more blood.
This year’s theme also focuses on thanking blood donors for donating blood in times of need and honoring their selflessness.
What is the meaning of World Blood Donor Day?
Blood is a precious resource needed to save lives. It is used in many medical procedures, including surgery, childbirth, and cancer treatment. Every year, millions of people around the world need blood transfusions.
According to the American Red Cross, “Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood.”
However, a global anemia is occurring. This is because there are not enough people donating blood regularly. According to WHO, there are only 118.54 million blood donations collected worldwide.
Volunteer blood donors are the backbone of the blood supply. They donate blood without payment, they do so out of altruism and compassion.
World Blood Donor Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the need to donate blood and encourage people to donate blood regularly. By donating blood, people can help save lives and improve the quality of life for patients in need.
What are the activities of World Blood Donor Day 2023?
WHO mentioned that this year the main focus will be on thanking blood donors from around the world so that others are encouraged. Some of the activities listed by the organization are:
- “Sponsor appreciation ceremony
- Social network campaign
- Special media programs
- Social media posts feature images of individual blood donors accompanied by slogans
- Music and art events to pay tribute to blood donors
- Color iconic monuments red or yellow.”
There are many ways to participate in World Blood Donor Day. Here are some of the activities listed below:
- Donate blood: This is the most important way to show your support for World Blood Donor Day. If you can donate blood, do so.
- Spread the word: Talk to your friends, family and co-workers about the importance of donating blood. Encourage them to donate blood if they are eligible.
- Support blood donation campaigns: There are many blood donation campaigns taking place around the world on World Blood Donor Day. You can support these campaigns by donating blood, volunteering your time or making a donation.
- Learn more about donating blood: There are many resources to learn more about donating blood. You can visit the World Health Organization website or your local blood donation center.
By participating in any of these activities, you can help save lives and make a difference in the world.
In short, World Blood Donor Day is a great opportunity to learn more about blood donation and thank donors for their life-saving gifts. This year encourages people around the world to donate blood and save the lives of those who are suffering.
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Source: pagasa.edu.vn