THE World Health Organisation (WHO) says to ensure that everyone who needs safe blood has access to it; all countries require voluntary and unpaid donors on a regular basis.

The global health body made the announcement on Monday June 14, during the celebration of the World Blood Donor Day.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, despite limited mobility and other challenges, WHO says blood donors in several countries continued to donate blood and plasma to patients who needed the transfusion.  

“This extraordinary effort during a time of unprecedented crisis highlights the crucial role of well-organised, committed voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors in ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply during normal and emergency times,” WHO said.

According to WHO, safe blood and blood products as well as their transfusion are a critical aspect of care and public health.

They save millions of lives and improve the health and quality of lives of many patients every day.

Studies show that the need for blood is universal but access to blood for all those who need it is not.

The studies further show that blood shortages are particularly acute in developing countries.

For 2021, the World Blood Donor Day the slogan says - 'Give blood and keep the world beating'.

The message highlights the essential contribution blood donors make to keeping the world pulsating by saving lives and improving others’ health.

It reinforces the global call for more people all over the world to donate blood on a regular basis and contribute to better health.

A special focus of this year’s campaign is the role of young people in ensuring a safe blood supply.

In many countries according to WHO, young people have been at the forefront of activities and initiatives aimed at achieving safe blood supplies through voluntary and non-remunerated blood donations.