World Blood Donor Day 2023: History, theme, significance and health benefits

The World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every year on June 14 to thank the altruistic acts of selflessness of voluntary blood donors and celebrate life and humanity. Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person – the gift of life. A decision to donate blood can save a life, or even several lives, if the blood is separated into its components – red cells, platelets and plasma – which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.

However, blood donation can also come with its own set of benefits for donors. Blood donation can help reduce excess iron levels in the blood thereby preventing hemochromatosis, a condition which can increase risk of cardiovascular diseases including heart attack and stroke. This can help with early detection of certain health conditions, such as anaemia or infectious diseases, which may otherwise go unnoticed.

World blood Donor Day Theme 2023

The slogan or theme of the World Blood Donor Day 2023 is "Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often." The theme highlights the importance of giving blood or blood plasma regularly to create a safe and sustainable supply of blood and blood products that can be always available, all over the world, so that all patients in need can receive timely life saving treatment.

History of World Blood Donor Day

In 2004 World Blood Donor Day was first distinguished by the WHO. In the 58th World Health Assembly, 2005 it was declared as an annual global event to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation.

The history of blood donation goes far back to ancient times. In written history, English physician Richard Lower is most remembered for his pioneering work on blood transfusion and the function of the cardiopulmonary system, which he described in his book ‘Tractatus de Corde’. He was the first one to examine the science of blood donation with animals and he managed to successfully transfuse blood between two dogs with no appreciable ill effects.

But WHO decided to celebrate the birthday of Karl Landsteiner as World Blood Donor day. Landsteiner was Austrian American immunologist, pathologist. He was awarded Nobel Prize in 1930 for his works on blood group and development of modern blood transfusion system.

Blood donation significance 

The importance of donating blood is not only to save the lives of thousands of people who are deprived of life, but also to save the lives of many more who are affected by various diseases and help them to fight numerous illnesses. 

Blood donation does not cause weakness. As per published literature, Blood volume (plasma) is replenished within 24-48 hours. Red blood cells are replenished in 3-4 weeks in healthy adults after donation.

Blood donation benefits 

Blood donation has profound health benefits. It not only does it provide essential support in medical emergencies, patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, but it also holds significant advantages for the donors themselves. 

Regular blood donation helps maintain healthy iron levels in the body, reducing the risk of conditions like hemochromatosis. This protects the body against cardiovascular diseases and minimises heart attack risks.

Blood donation help with early detection of certain health conditions, such as anaemia or infectious diseases

After donating blood, the body produces new cells to enhance overall health and works towards replacing the volume of blood lost within 48 hours of donation.

Most of the people who donate their blood tend to recover fast from their diseases and even live a longer life, it also helps in weight loss and in maintaining healthy liver reduces risk cancer.