By Dr. Usman Waheed, IMDC, Islamabad
On June 14, 2025, nations across the world unite to observe World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), a day to honour the unsung heroes whose selfless act of donating blood saves millions of lives each year. This year’s theme, “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives,” underscores both the life-saving potential of voluntary blood donation and the collective responsibility to ensure safe and timely transfusions.
The concept of WBDD was introduced in 2003 by four leading international health organizations: the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS), the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations (IFBDO), and the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). The first observance took place on June 14, 2004, and it was formally adopted as an annual global event by the WHO’s World Health Assembly in 2005.
A single unit of donated blood can save up to three lives, whether it’s a patient undergoing surgery, a mother with severe postpartum bleeding, or a child battling cancer. In developing countries like Pakistan, where access to safe blood remains inconsistent, every donation is a lifeline. The constant need for screened and safe blood underscores the urgency of increasing voluntary non-remunerated blood donations (VNRBD).
Pakistan celebrated WBDD for the first time in 2008 under the Ministry of Health with support from national political leadership. The 2010 celebration marked a turning point when the Federal Health Minister, during the national event at the National Institute of Health, announced the launch of the National Safe Blood Transfusion Programme as an independent vertical initiative. This landmark programme was initiated in collaboration with the Government of Germany. Since then, WBDD has grown into a national movement, increasingly observed across provinces, hospitals, universities, NGOs, and civil society organizations.
Over the past 18 years, nationwide awareness campaigns and mobile blood drives have yielded progress, especially in urban areas and among students and young professionals. However, rural areas and female participation remain significantly under-represented.
Pakistan’s current blood transfusion system comprises around 700 blood banks, many operating within hospitals or as standalone centers. In 2024, an estimated 3.4 million blood donations were collected, of which 94% were from male donors and only 6% from females. Alarmingly, just 18% of these were voluntary donations, far below WHO’s recommended goal of 100% VNRBD.
Globally, about 118.5 million blood donations are collected annually, yet only 60% come from low- and middle-income countries. In low-income nations, up to 54% of transfusions are given to children under five, while in high-income countries, 76% are administered to patients aged over 60. These disparities are also evident in donation rates per 1,000 population: 31.5 in high-income countries, 16.4 in upper-middle-income, 6.6 in lower-middle-income, and 5.0 in low-income countries. These figures reflect the pressing need for improved infrastructure, public education, and strategic investments in blood safety in countries like Pakistan.
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…..It is encouraging to note that with the support of our partners, who I would like to thank on this occasion of World Blood Donor Day, the number of people trained in blood donor recruitment and motivation has increased and blood collection structures have been improved and strengthened. But all these efforts would not have come to fruition without the precious inputs of the men and women who so generously donate blood so that women who give birth under difficult conditions can survive bleeding that is life-threatening.His Excellency Asif Ali Zardari, The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
We take this opportunity of World Blood Donor Day to highlight the efforts of the blood transfusion services in affording sufficient safe blood to all needy patients, and we in Pakistan assure the whole world that we promise to cooperate fully to afford safe blood, adequately and regularly, in all health establishments within the country. The participation of society and the collaboration of international efforts will no doubt enhance voluntary, regular blood donations and will support the health and humanitarian services and strengthen their ability to provide treatment when required. God the Almighty may enable us to succeed in achieving this noble work…..Senator Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan / Former Prime Minister of Pakistan
…..I’m enthusiastic to be partnering with Abbott to bring awareness to the importance of blood donation and to encourage people around the world to become lifelong blood donors and help save lives.Cristiano Ronaldo, GOIH, ComM – Top Soccer Player from Portugal
I appeal to the youth to come forward and donate blood at the nearest Regional Blood Centre. Your donation can save lives, and it will not harm your body; instead, it is helpful.Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Pakistan
Everyone is eligible to be a blood donor. One unit of blood can save the life of three people…..One donation of your blood will allow people with life-threatening conditions to continue with higher standards of living. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, T.I., H.I. Journalist / Filmmaker – 2 Oscars and 7 Emmy Awards Winner.
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Digital social media platforms have become powerful tools in this transformation. In Pakistan, Facebook and WhatsApp have enabled the creation of robust donor networks, particularly among the youth. Recent research studies highlight how digital communication can effectively shape health behaviors and mobilize communities. Government agencies, professional societies like BBMT-Pakistan, university-based blood donor organizations, and thalassaemia societies should further utilize these platforms to promote VNRBD and maintain engagement.
Prominent national campaigns have also benefited from celebrity endorsement. In 2016, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Pakistan’s double Oscar-winning filmmaker, was named the country’s first Honorary Ambassador for Blood Safety. In 2017, football icon Cristiano Ronaldo supported Pakistan’s voluntary donation campaign in partnership with Abbott Diagnostics, giving the effort global visibility. Such high-profile collaborations are instrumental in building a culture of altruism and inclusivity around blood donation.
Achieving self-sufficiency in safe blood products is an ongoing challenge but remains within reach. It demands coordinated action from policymakers, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, civil society, and the public. World Blood Donor Day is not only a day of celebration but also a call to action for awareness, education, infrastructure development, and making blood donation a routine civic duty.
As we commemorate World Blood Donor Day 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to give hope, inspire solidarity, and promote a culture of service. Whether by donating blood, organizing a donation drive, spreading awareness, or simply thanking a donor, each one of us has a role in this life-saving mission. Together, we save lives.
[The writer is a national advocate for blood safety in Pakistan. He holds a PhD and Fellowship in Transfusion Medicine and teaches at Islamabad Medical & Dental College. He is a founding member of national blood transfusion programme and Secretary General, BBMT-Pakistan]