World Blood Donor Day happens every June 14th. It started in 2004 and is organized by four big international groups: the World Health Organization, the Red Cross, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations, and the International Society of Blood Transfusion. The goal is to remind people about the importance of giving blood safely and to thank those who donate blood to save lives.
Theme 2024
The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2024 is ’20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You Blood Donors!’ This theme was picked because it’s been 20 years since we started celebrating World Blood Donor Day, and it’s a way to say a big thank you to all the people who have donated blood selflessly over these years. It’s also a reminder that there are still challenges to overcome, like making sure everyone has access to safe blood when they need it.
History
Every year on June 14th, people around the world observe World Blood Donor Day. This date was chosen because it’s the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian scientist who played a big role in blood transfusion. Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood groups in 1901 and the Rhesus factor in 1937, which made blood transfusions safer for patients.
In 2004, four important global organizations—the World Health Organization (WHO), the Red Cross, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations (IFBDO), and the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT)—came together to officially recognize World Blood Donor Day. It was first celebrated in 2005 during the fifty-eighth World Health Assembly.
Significance
Donating blood is very important for many medical treatments like surgeries, childbirth, cancer care, and helping accident victims. But in many places, especially in poorer countries, it’s hard to get safe blood. That’s why it’s crucial for people to give blood regularly and willingly. World Blood Donor Day reminds everyone how vital these donations are and encourages more people to give blood regularly.
To celebrate World Blood Donor Day 2024, there will be lots of activities all around the world. These include saying thank you to blood donors, spreading the word on social media, and special events like concerts or workshops. Some famous landmarks might even be lit up in red or yellow to honor blood donors.