World Blood Donor Day 2024: 10 Benefits of Donating Blood  

Introduction to World Blood Donor

World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every year on June 14th. This day highlights the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank those who donate blood voluntarily and free of charge. The day reminds us of the importance of donating blood regularly so that  safe blood is available when everyone needs it.

The Need for Blood Donation

The country requires an  average of 14.6 million units of blood per year, but is constantly suffering from a shortage of one million units. To address this critical issue, the Ministry has launched the “Raktadaan Amrit Mahotsav“ campaign, a series of blood donation drives.

Every two seconds, someone in India needs blood, and more than 12,000 people die every day in the country due to unavailability of blood. Moreover, one in four maternal deaths in India is due to excessive blood loss. Additionally, hospitals frequently experience blood shortages. World Blood Donor Day aims to encourage more people to donate blood regularly and to help establish a reliable blood donation system.

Theme for World Blood Donor Day 2024

“20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!” The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that all aspects of blood collection, testing, processing, storage and distribution should be regulated at the national level. This coordinated approach ensures that the quality and safety of blood and blood products are consistent across the country. In 2018, 73% of countries reported having a national blood policy and 66% of countries have specific legislation to ensure blood safety and quality.

Blood Supply:  Every year, approximately 118.54 million blood donations are collected worldwide. Interestingly, 40% of these donations come from high-income countries, which  represent just 16% of the world’s population. There is a large difference in blood donation rates between high-income and low-income countries. The average donation rate in high-income countries is 31.5 donations per 1,000 people, while in low-income countries it is just 5 donations per 1,000 people.

Who donates blood?

Although it varies greatly by country, around 33% of blood donations worldwide come from women. In some countries, less than 10% of donations come from women. In low- and middle-income countries, younger people tend to donate more than their counterparts in high-income countries.

There are three types of blood donors

• Voluntary Unpaid Donors: These are the safest donors as they generally have the lowest risk of blood-borne infections.
• Family/Replacement Donors: These donors donate blood to replace blood used by family members.
• Paid Donors: These donors receive payment for donating blood.

WHO recommends that all donors be screened for infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis.

While high-income countries thoroughly test nearly all blood donations, some low-income countries struggle to adequately test all donations. Blood can be used more effectively when it is separated into its components. Such as red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. WHO also urges countries to develop their own plasma collection and processing systems to reduce reliance on imports. Currently, only 56 of 171 countries produce PDMPs domestically.

Benefits of Donating Blood

Donating blood not only saves lives, it also has many health benefits for donors. Here are the top 10 benefits: 

1.Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease

Donating blood regularly lowers your blood pressure and iron levels, reducing your risk of heart disease. High iron levels may increase the risk of heart attack. According to a research  that looked at whether blood donations that lower iron levels would reduce this risk. It followed 2,862 men between the ages of 42 and 60 for about nine years. Only one in 153 blood donors suffered a heart attack, compared with 316 in 2,529 non-donors. After accounting for a variety of factors, the study found that blood donors had an 88% lower risk of heart attack. This suggests that regular blood donation may reduce the risk of heart attack  in middle-aged men.

2. Promotes the Production of New Blood Cells

When you donate blood, your body produces new blood cells to replace the donated ones, keeping your blood healthy. When you donate blood, your body immediately begins to produce new blood cells to replace the donated ones. This process keeps your blood healthy and ensures that your blood is constantly renewed. It’s like having a spring in your bloodstream.

3. Maintains Iron Levels

Keep Your Iron Levels Balanced Donating blood helps keep your iron levels balanced. Too much iron can be harmful, so this is a good way to maintain balance. Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in the blood, but too much of it can be harmful. Donating blood helps regulate iron levels and prevent diseases such as hemochromatosis, in which iron builds up and damages organs.

4.Strengthen Your Immune System

Donating blood strengthens your immune system, making it better able to fight off diseases. Calories Burned Burn up to 650 calories with each donation, helping you manage your weight. Donating blood stimulates the immune system, making it more active and efficient. This helps your body fight disease and stay healthy.

5. Improve Circulation

Donating regularly improves blood flow and circulation, reducing the risk of blood clots and other problems. Surprisingly, you can burn a lot of calories while donating blood. You can burn up to 650 calories per donation. This is not a solution for weight loss, but it’s a nice perk for those who donate regularly.

6. Lower Your Risk of Cancer

Maintaining healthy iron levels by donating blood  can help reduce your risk of certain types of cancer. Controlling iron levels through blood donation reduces the risk of certain types of cancer. High iron levels are associated with an increased risk of cancer, so controlling iron levels may provide additional protection.

7. Strengthen your mental health

Donating blood reduces stress and gives you a sense of purpose and connection, which can help you feel better. Donating blood improves mental health. Helping others through blood donation can reduce stress, create a sense of belonging, and give you a sense of purpose, all of which  contribute to improved mental health.

8. Offer free health screenings

Every time you donate blood, you get a free mini-screening where your pulse, blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin levels are checked, providing you with vital health information. Before donating blood, you will undergo a brief medical check. Your pulse, blood pressure,  temperature, and hemoglobin level will be checked. This simple test can alert you to possible health problems.

9. Cardiovascular health

Donating blood regularly can help improve your blood circulation. Better blood circulation reduces the risk of blood clots and other circulatory problems, promoting overall cardiovascular health.

10. It helps you live longer

Blood donors often have a lower risk of heart disease and cancer and  feel satisfaction from helping others, which contributes to a longer lifespan. People who donate blood regularly often have a lower risk of heart disease and cancer, and they experience psychological benefits from helping others. These factors may contribute to a longer, healthier life.

Sum up,

World Blood Donor Day 2024 highlights the important role of blood donors in saving lives and improving health. Understanding the benefits of donating blood  can encourage more people to donate regularly, helping to ensure a reliable and safe blood supply for those in need. Your donation can make a big difference. Share a life and donate blood today!