On 14 June 2009, World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) was again celebrated throughout the world to create wider awareness of the need for safe blood for transfusion and the importance of blood donation. 

Above all it was an occasion to thank blood donors and to acknowledge those volunteers who are responding to a world-wide increase in demand for donations of blood and blood components. Based on the experience gained from the celebration of International Blood Donor Day since 1995 and World Health Day 2000, which focused on the theme of blood safety, the first World Blood Donor Day was held on 14 June 2004. These early initiatives and widespread interest led to the adoption of World Health Assembly resolution WHA58.13 in 2005, establishing WBDD as an annual event and calling for broad international support. The resolution also urged international organizations and agencies concerned with global blood safety to collaborate in promoting and supporting World Blood Donor Day.

World Blood Donor Day was thus designated as an annual event by the ministers of health of all WHO Member States at the World Health Assembly in 2005. Each year, the number of countries that organize WBDD events increases, with activities now being held in the majority of countries. High-level commitment and support by government leaders, royalty and celebrities, coupled with media campaigns and community-based activities, unite the world in a celebration of the selfless individuals who donate their blood to save the lives and improve the health of people whom they will never meet.

World Blood Donor Day focuses on the life-saving gift of voluntary donors whose donations are given purely for altruistic reasons. As more and more countries achieve the goal of 100 per cent voluntary non-remunerated blood donation — 54 countries in 2006, compared with 39 in 2002 — there is growing appreciation of the vital role of voluntary donors who donate blood on a regular basis. Not only are they the safest blood donors, they are also the foundation of sustainable national blood supplies that are sufficient to meet the needs of all patients requiring transfusion. Accompanying the increase in voluntary blood donors throughout the world is an increase in the number of countries which produce blood components, including red cells, platelets and plasma, to meet the specific requirements of patients.

In 2009, the global theme for World Blood Donor Day therefore placed a renewed emphasis on improving the safety and sufficiency of blood supplies through the achievement of 100 per cent voluntary non-remunerated donation of blood and blood components.

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Speech by Dr Shin Young-soo, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region

World Blood Donor Day poster

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