14th June is observed as World Blood Donor Day by the World Health Organization. This day seeks to spread awareness about the need to regularly donate blood to ensure that all people of any community have timely access to safe and quality-assured blood. It also underscores the importance of regular blood donations and encourages people from across the world to donate blood and become life-savers. Finally, it also is celebrated to thank the voluntary and unpaid donors for their service.
The first World Blood Donor Day was observed in 2004.
Why is World Blood Donor Day observed on 14th June?
14th June is the birthday of Austrian biologist and physician Karl Landsteiner, who is widely credited to be the founder of modern blood transfusion. He developed the modern system of classification of blood groups and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1930 for “his discovery of human blood groups.”
Theme for World Blood Donor Day 2020
The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2020 is “Safe blood saves lives” with the slogan “Give blood and make the world a healthier place.”
Who can donate blood?
According to the World Health Organization, most people can donate blood if they are in general good health. Here are a few eligibility criteria:
- If you are aged between 18 and 65.
- If you weigh at least 50 kgs.
- If you are in good health at the time of donating blood. For instance, you cannot donate blood if you are suffering from sore throat, cold, flu, or stomach infections. Also, if you do not meet the requirement minimum hemoglobin levels, (not less than 12.0 g/dl for females and not less than 13.0 g/dl for males) you should not donate blood.
It is important to remember that different countries have different criteria and guidelines.
Did you know that it takes only 10 to 15 minutes to donate blood and just one donation can save up to three lives!
Do read the eligibility criteria in detail here.
Here is wishing all the blood donors a very happy World Blood Donor Day!
