World Blood Donor Day is celebrated each year on June 14 to enhance global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion and also to thank blood donors who donate their blood voluntarily without the slightest reward or expectation.
The date of June 14 was chosen because it is the birthday of Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr. Karl Landsteiner who discoverer the blood groups and the Blood transfusion medicine.
During COVID-19 pandemic, despite all restrictions and challenges, blood donors in many countries have continued to donate blood and plasma to patients who need transfusion. This fabulous work during a time of unprecedented crisis highlights the vital role of well-organized, committed voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors in ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply during normal and emergency times.
Every year, a slogan is announced for World Blood Donor Day. 2021 theme is “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 regularly and contribute to better health (https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2021/06/14/default-calendar/world-blood-donor-day-2021).
