Key messages

  • Safe blood is essential for helping people of all ages who suffer from diseases, disasters and accidents. Your donation saves lives and makes our community safe. Thank you!

  • Blood is always needed to save lives and treat people. Show your solidarity to the community and contribute with regular blood donations! 

  • The need for blood is universal, but access to blood for all those who need it is not. Blood shortages are acute in low- and middle-income countries.

  • In low- and middle-income countries, women and children are most affected by shortages as they are ones who need blood most.

  • To ensure that everyone who needs transfusion has access to safe blood, all countries need voluntary, unpaid blood donors who give blood regularly.

  • Giving blood is a life-saving act of solidarity with others. Services providing safe blood and blood products are essential for every health care system.

  • Wide participation of the population and regular blood donations ensure that everyone can access blood when they need it.

  • All blood donors together provide a precious safeguard for patients and communities.

  • An enabling social and cultural atmosphere with strong solidarity facilitates the development of an effective blood donor programme.

  • The act of blood donation helps strengthen social ties and build a supportive community.