Every year on 14th June, World Blood Donor Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the significance of blood donation. The voluntary donation of blood by a donor to others in need is known as blood donation. Individuals who have been in major accidents or injuries, undergoing major surgery, or suffering from some health problems require blood. A person’s blood requirements can only be fulfilled through donation, since blood cannot be manufactured artificially. Blood donation is a charitable activity that assists people and saves lives. World Blood Donor Day celebrates the righteous act of unpaid, voluntary blood donation and emphasizes the selfless contribution of blood donors. 

On the occasion of World Blood Donor Day 2025, Asthma Bhawan proudly recognizes the invaluable role of voluntary blood donors in saving lives. We motivate everyone, especially those medically eligible, to come forward and donate blood with a dedication to respiratory and overall public health. Blood donation not only supports patients battling surgeries, emergencies, or chronic illnesses but also builds a stronger, more responsive healthcare system. At Asthma Bhawan, we believe that every drop counts. Through safe donation practices, awareness drives, and community engagement, we aim to inspire a culture of compassion and health responsibility.

Dr Virendra Singh

The Theme for World Blood Donor Day 2025

The 2025 Theme for World Blood Donor Day is ‘’Give blood, give hope – together we save lives”. 

History of World Blood Donor Day 

The history of blood donation goes far back, with the first transmission done using poorly understood science and very early research. However, it wasn’t until Richard Lower was the first to investigate the science behind animal blood donation was investigated. Without any noticeable negative effects, he was able to effectively transfuse blood between two canines. From there, the science around blood gradually advanced, shattering taboos and departing from animal testing. Blood transfusions swiftly became a mainstay in health concerns and the medical sector, due to advancements in transfusion technology and Karl Landsteiner’s discovery of the ABO human blood type system to better identify donors.

At the 58th World Health Assembly in May 2005, health ministers from all over the world unanimously decided to make World Blood Donor Day an annual event that takes place on June 14 every year, choosing Landsteiner’s birthday to commemorate it. This decision was made in response to the success of World Health Day in 2000, which focused on blood donation and the safety of transfusions.

14 June was selected as International Blood Donation Day as it is also the birthday of Austrian Austrian-American immunologist and pathologist Karl Landsteiner. Landsteiner was given the Nobel Prize in 1930 for his contribution to developing the modern blood transfusion system.

What are the Benefits of Blood Donation

Blood donation has advantages for both the person receiving the blood and the blood donor. Often, blood donations can save the life of the person receiving the blood or help them overcome a critical surgery or illness. For the blood donor, blood donation presents the following benefits:

• Improvement in Cardiovascular Health: Regular blood donation can decrease blood viscosity, enhancing blood flow. An improved blood flow can diminish the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Controlling Blood Iron Levels: Repeated blood donation can assist in controlling the blood iron level in donors with excess iron. The condition of abnormal iron levels is called hemochromatosis.
• Detection of Health Issues: Blood tests done before blood donation can help identify any hidden health problems like anemia, high blood pressure, abnormal hemoglobin levels, and help the donor obtain proper medical attention, avoiding long-term complications. 
• Maintaining Liver Health: Reducing the incidence of hepatitis C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other liver illnesses is another way that blood donation improves liver health by regulating blood iron levels.
• Increasing Happiness: The selfless act of blood donation also has psychological benefits for the donor. Donating blood to help someone in need can increase pleasant emotions and lessen depressive, sad, and lonely sentiments.

Interesting Facts About World Blood Donor Day and World Blood

• In an adult person, the amount of blood on average is 10-12 pints
• The shelf life of red blood cells is 42 days.
• It takes about 10-15 minutes to donate blood.
• 1 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year.
• Once you donate blood, you must wait for 56 days before you can donate again.
• There are 8 types of blood: A+, B+, AB+, O+, A-, B-, AB-, and O- (including both negative and positive Rh factor)
• The time taken to donate platelets is 90 minutes.
• Blood is made of 4 elements- white blood cells, red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.
• People with blood group 0 can give blood to everyone and are known as universal donors. 

Importance of World Blood Donor Day 

World Blood Donor Day is important because:

• Millions of individuals who require blood for transfusions, or to recover from illnesses and injuries, are saved by it.
• To cure their diseases and live a better life, there is always a need for blood, as millions of people need blood.
• Blood requirement is a worldwide need, as each and every country needs enough supply of blood. 

How to Observe World Blood Donor Day 

• Give Blood – Donating blood can save lives, and all it takes is an hour or so of your day if you are eligible. You will be given a mini-physical to ensure that you are healthy enough to donate blood once you check in and come for your donation.
• Spread the World – Raising awareness of the significance of World Blood Donor Day can have a significant influence if you are unable to donate blood or lack the time. Tell your friends, family, colleagues, and social media followers how important blood donations are.
• Find an Event Near You – Check online to see if there are any World Blood Donor Day celebrations in your area, including rallies or pop-up donation locations. Many blood centers, volunteers, and hospitals set up special, fun events on June 14th to celebrate the holiday and maximize blood donations.