Access to safe blood is still a privilege for the few. Most low- and middle-income countries struggle to make safe blood available because donations are low and equipment to test blood is scarce.

The need for safe blood is universal. Safe blood can help patients suffering from life-threatening health diseases to live longer. World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every year on 14 June to mark the anniversary of Karl Landsteiner. The objective of this day is to say thanks to all the individuals who donate blood and to raise awareness about the need for safe blood donations.

Karl Landsteiner was a scientist, born on 14 June 1868, won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of the ABO blood group system and to commemorate his birth anniversary World blood donor day is observed. The first World Blood Donor Day was celebrated on 14 June 2004 by the World Health Organisation.

World Blood Donor Day Theme 2020: Safe Blood Safe lives

The theme for the world blood donor day 2020 is “safe blood saves lives” with the slogan “Give blood and make the world a healthier place”. The theme celebrates and thanks to voluntary blood donors and raises awareness for regular blood donations to ensure that all individuals have access to safe and quality-assured blood. This year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO will run a global virtual campaign.

Also Read World Thalassemia Day 2020: the dawning of a new era for thalassemia

There are some common myths regarding blood donation that prevent people from donating blood:

6 Myths Busted on Blood Donation:

Myth 1: Donating Blood makes the immune system weak

Fact: donating blood does not make your immunity system weak. The Red Blood Cells return to normal within a few days, and the White Blood Cells take a few weeks.

Myth 2: Blood Donation is a painful process

Fact: Blood donation is not a painful process, it requires a needle prick that does not hurt more than any other injection. When the needle is removed you may feel pain, but it disappears after 5 minutes.

Myth 3: One day rest is needed after blood donation

Fact: You can resume your daily routine a few minutes after blood donation. Just drink enough water and juice to replenish your body fluids and avoid alcohol consumption and direct sunlight for 24 hours.

Myth 4: Diabetic patients cannot donate blood

Fact: you can donate blood if your diabetes is under control. You can control your diabetes by taking proper medicines and a healthy diet. But if you are taking insulin to treat your diabetes then you cannot donate blood.

Myth 5: Donating Blood is prone to infections

Fact: Donate blood only after checking the hygiene of the place and make sure that the needle that is being used on you is fresh than the chances of catching the infections are very less.

Myth 6: Blood Donation makes you faint

Fact: If you are healthy and had eaten something 3 hours before donation, then you will not feel weak or drowsy. After donating blood, rest for 20 minutes to normalize the blood flow.

So donate Blood a life-saving act of solidarity and provide safe blood- an essential element of every health care system

INFORMATION SOURCE: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2020/about