Good morning, everyone,
Blood transfusion is a cornerstone of health care. It is essential for managing emergencies and accidents, supporting safe childbirth, enabling major surgeries, treating cancer patients, and helping people living with conditions such as thalassemia and hemophilia. For many patients, access to safe blood is quite simply the difference between life and death.
Yet, despite millions of blood donations collected globally each year, many countries continue to face shortages. Blood cannot be manufactured, and because it has a limited shelf life, a continuous supply can only be ensured through regular voluntary donation. Today's blood donation drive is therefore an opportunity for each of us to contribute to a lifesaving resource that remains essential for both routine health care and emergency preparedness.
Over the years, the WHO South-East Asia Region has made significant progress in strengthening blood systems. All Member States now have national blood policies and nationally coordinated blood services. More than 80 percent of blood donations in the Region come from voluntary, non-remunerated donors, and all donated blood is screened for transfusion-transmissible infections. These achievements reflect the commitment of governments, health workers, partners and, above all, voluntary donors.
At the same time, demand for safe blood and plasma-derived therapies continue to exceed supply in several countries.
On this World Blood Donor Day, I extend my sincere gratitude to all voluntary blood donors. Your generosity forms a lifeline of compassion and care across our communities.
Every donation matters. Every drop counts. And every donor has the power to save lives.
Today’s blood donation drive is therefore an opportunity to contribute to a lifesaving scarce resource.
A single donation can help save multiple lives offering hope and care to people when they need it most.
Thank you.