Saving the lives of women in childbirth is the main theme of the World Blood Donor Day
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Every year on June 14, many countries celebrate World Blood Donor Day. This year, the World Health Organization proposed the topic "Safe blood for saving mothers", it calls for the introduction of measures to improve the access to blood needed to save the lives of thousands of women in childbirth. Every day hundreds of women die from various complications of pregnancy or labor. The main cause of death is severe bleeding. However, in many countries of the world (and developed countries are not an exception) access to safe donor blood supplies and transfusion measures are a major problem.
WHO recommended that countries, as well as all partners that work in the field of blood transfusion services, prepare a series of activities that can ensure timely access to blood donations in order to reduce the death rate during childbirth. The package of events can include meetings, conferences, media work, publication of scientific articles in journals that will help attract attention and highlight the theme of this year.
The purpose of the annual Blood Donor Day is to improve knowledge of the importance of donor blood, as well as its products, thanks to donors who voluntarily donate their blood for the lives of thousands of people at their own free will.
The mortality of women during childbirth is quite high, the vast majority of deaths occur in civilized countries. Among young mothers (up to 15 years), the highest mortality rate is observed.
Severe bleeding during or after childbirth often results in the death of a woman giving birth, severe illness or disability.
WHO recommends that countries with a high mortality rate of expectant mothers take all necessary measures to improve access to supplies of blood in hospitals.
In addition, educational work is needed among the population on the topic of how safe blood can save the mother's life.
In 2014, the organization of events dedicated to the theme of World Donor Day this year was made by Sri Lanka. In this country, activities are carried out to strengthen the donation, which contributes to safe and sufficient blood supplies, as well as its products for parturient women.
A large-scale event was held on June 14 in Colombo.
Transfusion of blood can save thousands of lives, as well as improve health. However, most patients are denied immediate access to blood. In each country, health policy should aim to provide the necessary blood supplies and improve access to it.
According to the recommendation of the World Health Organization, all activities aimed at collection, verification, processing, storage and distribution of donor blood should be coordinated at the national level. Such activities should be based on relevant laws to promote the use of standards and to ensure consistency in the quality and safety of blood.
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