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Today is World Blood Donor Day
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Millions of people need blood every day to survive. That is why in May 2005, during the World Health Assembly, health ministers from around the world unanimously adopted a statement of commitment and support for voluntary blood donation. In resolution WHA58.13, they decided to observe World Blood Donor Day every year on 14 June.
World Blood Donor Day is a special day celebrated in honour of unpaid blood donors. It is coordinated by the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Society of Blood Transfusion and the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations.
The Day's events are attended by 193 UN Member States, 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 50 voluntary donor organizations and numerous blood transfusion specialists from all over the world.
Every second, all over the world, people of all ages and backgrounds need a life-saving blood transfusion. Although the need for blood is universal, access to it for those who need it is, unfortunately, not universal. The shortage of blood is especially acute in developing countries, where the majority of the world's population lives.
The sponsoring organizations have established a steering committee, whose functions include planning the Day's activities at the global and national levels. One of the important tasks is to ensure that World Donor Day activities are covered in the media.