The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its most comprehensive review to date of global blood systems, coinciding with the approach of World Blood Donor Day on June 14. The report analyzes data from 168 countries, representing 97% of the world’s population.
It highlights significant advancements in blood donation and safety. Over 85% of blood donations worldwide are now sourced from voluntary, unpaid donors, recognized as the safest and most sustainable supply.
Uneven Progress Continues
While many nations have strengthened their national blood systems and expanded access to safe transfusions, shortages, weak governance, and insufficient funding continue to limit access in low- and middle-income countries.
Deusdedit Mubangizi, Director of WHO’s Department of Policies, Evidence, and Research, stated in the report’s foreword, “Access to adequate and safe blood and blood products, coupled with safe transfusion practices, is a fundamental component of resilient health systems and a critical factor supporting universal health coverage.”
Mubangizi added, “Despite remarkable progress over the past decade, universal access to safe blood and blood products remains an elusive goal for many countries.”
More Than Just Transfusions
A reliable blood supply is essential for treating a wide range of medical conditions, from severe hemorrhage during childbirth and emergency surgeries to cancer therapies, chronic blood disorders, and severe anemia.
Donated plasma, the liquid component of blood, is also used to manufacture medicines for individuals with bleeding disorders, immune deficiencies, and other serious conditions.
Without safe blood, patients can succumb to treatable diseases and injuries.
The report examines every stage of the transfusion chain, from donor recruitment and blood collection to laboratory testing, clinical use, and access to plasma-derived medicines.
An Ongoing Challenge
The report identifies inadequate governance and unsustainable financing as major obstacles faced by national blood services in many countries.
It also points to ongoing efforts to diversify plasma collection for plasma-derived medicinal products and strengthen global supply chains, as these products remain inaccessible or unaffordable in many regions.
WHO emphasizes that sustainable political commitment, stronger national systems, and continued international cooperation are necessary to ensure equitable access.
World Blood Donor Day
This year’s World Blood Donor Day campaign is themed “A Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.”
The campaign aims to promote regular voluntary blood donation, underscoring the values of solidarity, compassion, and shared responsibility that form the foundation of safe blood systems globally, according to WHO.
