World Blood Donor Day

World Blood Donor Day is marked on 14 June to thank voluntary blood donors and to draw attention to the constant need for safe blood and blood products. The first global observance took place in 2004, and in 2005 the World Health Assembly supported making it an annual international event. The date was chosen because 14 June is the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, whose discovery of the ABO blood group system at the beginning of the twentieth century made modern blood transfusion far safer. The day is not simply a celebration of individual donors; it also highlights the public-health systems required to collect, test, store and distribute blood safely and equitably. Hospitals depend on reliable supplies for trauma care, childbirth complications, surgery, severe anaemia, cancer treatment and many other conditions. Campaigns therefore encourage healthy eligible people to donate regularly and voluntarily, while recognising donors whose quiet contribution can save several lives.

World Blood Donor Day is intended to build public awareness and encourage attention to its associated global issue.