World Blood Donor Day is significant in spreading awareness about blood donation to recognise and contribute voluntarily to any unpaid blood donors in saving lives. WHO observed the first World Blood Donor Day in 2004. The initiative was taken to observe this one day, 14th June, to increase voluntary recognition for donating blood in saving lives.
The historical importance of World Blood Donor Day
In the year 2004, the first World Blood Donor Day was observed by WHO. It was declared to be an annual global event at the 58th World Health Assembly in 2005. The day was celebrated to be the birth anniversary of Austrian biologist and physician Karl Landsteiner. They are the founders of modern blood transfusion.
Significance of World Blood Donor Day
The aim is to raise global awareness of the need to have safe blood and blood products. It is for transfusion and other critical contributions that are voluntary. It is unpaid to the blood donors to make it to the national health system. The day also offers an opportunity to call-to-action to government and national health authorities offering adequate resources. These are all put into place systems and infrastructures to increase blood collection from voluntary and non-remunerated blood donors.
Why is it important to donate blood?
As per WHO, safe blood & blood products and other transfusions are crucial aspects for caring and public health. It will save millions of lives and improve the health and quality of life for the patients each day. Blood is universally required, but access to it for those who require it isn’t.
In 2021, the World Blood Donor Day slogan is ‘Give Blood and keep the world beating’. The message highlights the essential contribution of the blood donors to make the world pulsating by saving every life and improving health. It reinforced the global call for many people all across the world to donate blood regularly. This contribution is for better health. A special focus is made on the year’s campaign where the young people will ensure a safe blood supply.
Blood donation is beneficial.
It is important to donate blood to save lives. The donation of blood has been beneficial for your emotional and physical health. It helps in the following ways;
- It reduces stress.
- It improves your emotional well-being.
- It helps to get rid of negative feelings.
- It provides a sense of belonging and reduces isolation factors.
- It helps in burning your calories.
- It helps in improving physical health.
- It helps to reduce free radical damage in the body, which is the main cause of Cancer.
- You will enjoy a free screening of your blood where the presence of Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV is measured.
There is evidence that is collected from ample research to see if the donor is benefitted from blood giving or not.
Are you planning to take the initiative to donate blood?
Blood is a crucial part of our body. An average of 4 to 6 litres of blood is present in the human body if you have decided to donate blood; many congratulations to you for taking such an initiative.
To do’s if you have planned for blood donation;
- Consider taking someone along with you when you are planning to go for a blood donation. Often after blood donation, you may feel dizzy; a person with you will be helpful to take care of you.
- It is important to drink plenty of water as it helps to keep yourself hydrated and your body functions well. It will further avoid the chances of having low blood pressure.
- It would be best if you had an adequate breakfast or meal before going to donate blood. Experts have always advised never to donate blood on an empty stomach. Try out to eat a light but filling meal.
Things to avoid on your blood donation day;
- If you are not feeling well on that particular day, never donate blood on the same day.
- It is important to avoid smoking or drinking a week before, if you are planning for blood donation. As nicotine and alcohol stay in your blood, this is extremely unhealthy for a person receiving it.
Best food to eat before blood donation;
- Each iron-rich foods like chickpeas, brown rice, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, meat, spinach, cashews and almonds, wholemeal bread, fish, apricots and green peas and many more.
- Each Vitamin C rich food like green leafy vegetables, oranges, lemon, tomato, kiwi, broccoli and capsicums.
To conclude, your involvement and support to spread awareness for blood donation are crucial and respect-worthy. Therefore, on this World Donor Day, let’s take an oath to spread and take active care and support in solidarity with blood donation. Participation of the enthusiastic donors on this day is highly appreciated.
