Air Vice Marshal ® Aftab Hussain HI(M), Knight (Geneva)
Director Sundas Foundation
Islamabad (TNS) Every year on June 14th, the world comes together to celebrate World Blood Donor Day, an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO). This global event recognizes the life-saving contributions of voluntary blood donors and raises awareness about the critical need for safe and accessible blood transfusions.
The theme for 2025, “Blood Connects Us All,” emphasizes the profound human connection formed through the act of donating blood. The slogan, “Share Life, Give Blood,” captures the spirit of compassion and solidarity that defines blood donation.
Held strategically in early summer—when blood stocks often fall—this day serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for donations and the vital role they play in healthcare systems worldwide. According to the WHO, the safest blood comes from voluntary, unpaid donors from low-risk populations.
Safe blood transfusions are essential for patients with conditions such as thalassemia, hemophilia, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. They also play a critical role in emergency surgeries and maternal care. Properly screened blood helps prevent the transmission of life-threatening infections like HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, and Malaria.
Despite its simplicity and safety, blood donation remains limited. The process takes less than 30 minutes and offers health benefits for donors, including reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers due to lower iron levels. Donors also receive a free health screening. Recovery is swift:
- Plasma replenishes within 24 hours
- Red blood cells within 3–4 weeks
- Iron levels within 4–6 weeks
Men can donate every three months, while women can donate every four months.
In Pakistan, a lower-middle-income country, the blood donation rate is alarmingly low—only 28 out of every 10,000 people donate blood. Most donations are made through family replacements, and voluntary, regular donors are rare, especially in rural areas. Many donations come from paid donors, some of whom are drug addicts, raising serious health concerns. Other issues include:
- Lack of public awareness
- Use of whole blood instead of components
- Unscreened donations
- Untrained staff and non-standard equipment
- High proportion of women ineligible to donate due to anemia or low body weight
The Safe Blood Transfusion Programme (SBTP) in Pakistan is working to establish a safe and sustainable national blood system. Its goal is to promote voluntary blood donation and improve the availability and quality of blood components. However, further government action is needed to strengthen the operations of Regional Blood Centers and ensure blood safety nationwide.
World Blood Donor Day is more than a celebration—it’s a call to save lives. With an annual need of 2.5 to 3 million units of blood, Pakistan can meet its demand if just 1–3% of the population donates regularly. As the Quran reminds us:
“If anyone saves a life, it is as if he has saved all of humanity.” (Quran 5:32)
In a country where voluntary blood donation remains uncommon, understanding the socio-cultural factors that influence donation behavior is crucial. Public policies must focus on education, awareness, and motivation to build a culture of regular, unpaid donation.
On this World Blood Donor Day, let us take a stand, give blood, and be the reason someone lives. Together, we can transform lives—one donation at a time.
