World Blood Donor Day- June 14
Safe blood supplies are a scarce
commodity – especially in developing countries. World Blood Donor Day is an
occasion to raise awareness of the problem and thank donors worldwide. It is
held anually on June 14.
Theme for 2016 is: "Blood connects us all"
What Do People
Do?
Many events are held around the world on June
14 to mark World Blood Donor Day. These include football matches, concerts and
mobile blood donation clinics. In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO)
called upon communities world-wide to symbolically "paint the world
red" by coloring, covering or lighting monuments and landmarks.
Public Life
World Blood Donor Day is a global observance
and not a public holiday.
Background
- Despite about 92 million yearly blood donations worldwide, safe blood is constantly on high demand, especially in developing countries.
- World Blood Donor Day falls on the birthday of Karl Landsteiner (June 14, 1868). He created the ABO blood group system, which is still used today to ensure the safety of blood transfusions.
