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Why blood donation matters? An expert shares facts

On World Blood Donor Day 2022, know about the importance of blood donation from an expert.
World Blood Donor is observed on June 14 every year. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Tapti Mohapatra Published: 14 Jun 2022, 16:15 pm IST
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The World Blood Donor Day is a reminder of the importance of blood donation as an act of solidarity. Every year on June 14, organizations around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day, raising awareness of the importance of donating blood and saving lives.

History of Blood Donor Day

World Blood Donor Day was established by the World Health Organization in 2004. It was designated an annual worldwide event at the 58th World Health Assembly in 2005 to honour Nobel Laureate and Austrian scientist and doctor Karl Landsteiner’s birthday. The yearly event honours his contributions to international blood transfusion medicine. The National Blood Centre in Mexico will hold World Blood Donor Day 2022 on June 14, 2022.

Save lives. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

How the campaign works

Blood donations are made in institutions and workplaces, different camps are organized by different blood centres, and voluntary and unpaid donors donate blood in a safe and efficient manner. While the contributions of regular blood donors are highly valued, non-profits and related services create materials such as posters, banners and leaflets to educate others about blood donations.

Who benefits from blood donation

Blood and blood products are critical resources for the effective management of;

* Women suffering from pregnancy and childbirth bleeding
* Children suffering from severe anemia due to malaria and malnutrition
* Patients with blood, bone marrow, and inherited haemoglobin disorders, and immune deficiency conditions
* Victims of trauma, emergencies, disasters, and accidents
* Patients undergoing advanced medical and surgical procedures.

Despite the fact that blood is required by everyone, not everyone has access to it. Blood scarcity is most severe in low- and middle-income nations.

Also, read: World Blood Donor Day: 6 kinds of people who should avoid donating blood

People with certain medical conditions may need blood. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Some interesting facts to consider about blood donation

* Every 2 seconds the frequency of someone requiring blood increases
* 10 pints is the amount of blood in the average adult
* 90 minutes is the the time it takes to donate platelets
* 10–15 minutes is the time it takes to donate blood
* 90 days is the minimum necessary waiting period between whole blood donations

Why blood donation camps are necessary

Blood drives are held to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donations in saving lives and strengthening community bonds.

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Also, read: An expert answers the 7 most frequently asked questions on blood donation post-covid vaccination

Blood is precious. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

A blood donation campaign’s goal is to:

* Appreciate the efforts of blood donors around the world and help raise enough public awareness about the importance of regular, unpaid blood donations.
* Emphasize the importance of donating blood all year to ensure proper care and provide universal and timely access to safe blood transfusions.
* Recognize and promote the value of voluntary unpaid blood donations to strengthen community solidarity and social cohesion.
* Raise awareness of the need to increase government investment to build a sustainable and resilient national blood system and increase the collection of voluntary and unpaid blood donors.

Adequate and safe blood is an important resource in saving lives as one unit of blood can save three or more lives. Hence, it is important to emphasize, educate and encourage regular, and voluntary blood donations among the eligible population.

Dr Tapti Mohapatra

Dr Tapti Mohapatra Consultant and Head- Transfusion Medicine Fortis Hospital, Bannergatta Road, Bengaluru ...Read More

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