World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), observed annually, honours the altruistic spirit of blood donors worldwide. This event aims to raise awareness about the necessity for safe blood and blood products and to express gratitude to the voluntary, unpaid donors who generously provide life-saving blood.
A healthcare system’s effectiveness heavily relies on a blood service that ensures patients have access to safe and sufficient blood and blood products. On 14 June 2024, communities worldwide, along with the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners, will come together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day with the theme: “20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors!”
The WHO has outlined several objectives for this year’s campaign. These include thanking and recognizing the millions of voluntary blood donors who have contributed to the health and well-being of millions of people around the world, showcasing the achievements and challenges of national blood programmes and sharing best practices and lessons learned, highlighting the continuous need for regular, unpaid blood donation to achieve universal access to safe blood transfusion, and promote a culture of regular blood donation among young people and the general public and increase the diversity and sustainability of the blood donor pool.
The ongoing commitment of blood donors is a testament to human compassion and community spirit. As individuals mark World Blood Donor Day, let us celebrate and express our heartfelt gratitude to these heroes. Their noble donations not only save lives but also contribute significantly to the overall health and well-being of society. Such a performance of donating blood is seldom a noble act. If everyone maintains such noble-mindedness, society will be filled with happiness, smiles, peace, and prosperity.
In Myanmar, the blood donation infrastructure is well-developed, with the National Blood Centre and seven blood banks associated with general hospitals in Mandalay, Magway, Mawlamyine, Myitkyina, Taunggyi, Pathein, and Nay Pyi Taw. These centres ensure an adequate blood supply for patients. Furthermore, general hospitals facilitated with 200-bed and 100-bed capacities operate laboratories equipped with blood management system software, ensuring the safety of blood for patients.
The generous contributions of blood donors make it possible to perform essential surgeries and medical treatments. In 2023, Myanmar welcomed 9,625 new blood donors, while 29,866 regular donors continued their invaluable practice of donating blood. These donations are crucial for saving lives and enabling successful medical procedures and surgical operations.
The ongoing commitment of blood donors is a testament to human compassion and community spirit. As individuals mark World Blood Donor Day, let us celebrate and express our heartfelt gratitude to these heroes. Their noble donations not only save lives but also contribute significantly to the overall health and well-being of society. Such a performance of donating blood is seldom a noble act. If everyone maintains such noble-mindedness, society will be filled with happiness, smiles, peace, and prosperity.
