Dr. Shadhiya Al Khan
Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Lawati
Dr. Srijit Das
College of Medicine & Health Sciences
Every year, globally, June 14 is celebrated as ‘World Blood Donation Day’ to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving contributions and to raise awareness of the ongoing need for regular donations to ensure a safe, sufficient, and accessible blood supply. The day also serves as a reminder of the vital role governments and health authorities play in building sustainable blood systems that foster voluntary donation, provide equitable access to life-saving blood, and ensure safe transfusion care for all. The day was chosen to honour the birth of Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian-American biologist, born on this day (June 14, 1868), whose discovery of the ABO blood group system in 1900 transformed modern medicine and made safe blood transfusions possible. His pioneering contributions earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology in 1930.
Since 2013, blood and blood components have been considered essential medicines by the World Health Organization (WHO). This means these components are medicines needed by the majority of the global population. This means that this medicinal product (i.e., blood and blood components) should be available at all times in adequate amounts and appropriate doses, without compromising affordability or quality. There are proper WHO guidelines intended to safeguard quality, safety, and efficacy. These measures help regulatory authorities to monitor the blood and the blood components of human origin.
Many people donate blood to strangers out of altruism, empathy, and a desire to help those in need. Voluntary blood donation is often motivated by a sense of social responsibility, community solidarity, and knowledge that a single donation can save multiple lives. In many cultures and religions, blood donation is viewed as a humanitarian act and a moral duty to help fellow human beings. Societies with strong donor cultures typically have greater public awareness, trust in healthcare systems, and social norms that encourage voluntary donations. This message is reflected in this year's World Blood Donor Day slogan: “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Safe Lives.” The slogan places humanity at the heart of every blood donation, emphasising that each donation represents compassion, solidarity, and care for others. Inspired by the idea that the whole of humanity can be reflected in a single drop of blood, it elevates blood donation beyond the medical act to a deeply human gesture, highlighting how every donation can become a lifeline that connects and protects us all.
Blood transfusion is a life-saving procedure. During surgeries, emergency conditions such as burns, accidents, natural disasters, transplants, chronic illnesses, and the treatment of different cancers require blood donation. The red blood cells (RBCs) are produced in the bone marrow in adults. The lifespan of RBCs in blood is 120 days. This means that every three months (12 weeks), these RBCs are replenished with new ones. Millions of RBCs are produced daily. RBCs contain a protein known as haemoglobin (Hb). Each Hb molecule has four haem groups that allow the transport of four molecules of oxygen. In conditions such as anaemia, there is a lower Hb level, and severe cases require immediate transfusion.
During the donation process, the blood donor centre accepts the donors, and after clearing the medical evaluation, the whole blood unit is withdrawn 450 millilitres in bags with a sterile system enclosed efficiently and safely, which takes no longer than 15 minutes. Subsequently, an automated separation equipment separates each unit of whole blood into three major components: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, where a single blood donation can save three lives. The blood components will be inspected and tested regularly to guarantee that they meet the standards and are free of viruses transmitted through blood. Blood components are transfused to accident and emergency patients undergoing medical and surgical operations, children suffering from anaemia, and women suffering from pregnancy and childbirth bleeding.
Sultan Qaboos University can help build a strong culture of blood donation through awareness campaigns, educational activities, and effective use of social media to promote the importance of blood donation. Encouraging student participation through peer influence and donor ambassadors can motivate voluntary donations. By introducing blood donation at a young age and providing positive donation experiences, SQU can foster lifelong donation habits and help develop a sustainable pool of regular donors.