World Blood Donor Day 2024: Date, Theme, History, Significance And More

World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and to thank donors worldwide for their life-saving contributions.

The day, established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its partners, highlights the need for regular, voluntary blood donations to ensure that safe blood is always available for those in need.

World Blood Donor Day is observed annually on June 14. This date was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian biologist and physician, considered to be the "founder" of modern blood transfusion. 

Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood groups in 1901, developed the modern system of classification of blood groups, and identified, in 1937, together with Alexander S. Wiener, the Rhesus factor, thus enabling physicians to transfuse blood without endangering a patient’s life.

The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2024 is '20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You Blood Donors!' The theme was chosen to mark the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day and emphasises the gratitude owed to blood donors for their selfless contributions over the past two decades. It also focuses on addressing ongoing challenges and promoting the goal of universal access to safe blood transfusions.

World Blood Donor Day was officially recognised in 2004 by four major international organisations: the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organisations (IFBDO), and the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). The first global event was held in 2005 during the fifty-eighth World Health Assembly.

Blood donation is crucial for a wide range of medical procedures, including surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatments, and emergency care for accident victims. Despite the universal need for blood, access to safe blood is limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Regular, voluntary blood donations are essential to maintain a stable supply and ensure that everyone has access to the blood they need. World Blood Donor Day underscores the importance of these donations and encourages more people to become regular donors.

To celebrate World Blood Donor Day 2024, various activities have been planned globally, including donor appreciation ceremonies, social networking campaigns, special media broadcasts, and social media posts featuring individual donors with the slogan.

Events such as meetings, workshops, musical and artistic performances, and the lighting of iconic monuments in red or yellow are also organised to thank blood donors.

Participation in World Blood Donor Day can take many forms:

• Donate blood: The most direct way to support the cause.

• Spread the word: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to donate blood.

• Support blood donation campaigns: Volunteer your time, make a donation, or participate in local events.

• Educate yourself and others: Learn more about blood donation through resources provided by the WHO and local blood donation centres.