WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY 2025:

'GIVE BLOOD, GIVE HOPE:
TOGETHER WE SAVE LIVES'

Every year on June 14, the world joins together to celebrate World Blood Donor Day—a day dedicated to appreciating the unsung heroes among us who voluntarily donate blood to save lives.

As an internal medicine physician, I frequently use blood and its products to treat various serious diseases such as severe dengue fever, internal bleeding, anemia and thalassemia. Blood transfusions are essential treatments that are irreplaceable, and can only be obtained through voluntary donations. Blood donors are truly the unsung heroes of the medical world.

You may be surprised to learn that one bag of donated blood can save up to three or four lives. This is because donated blood is separated into several important components—red blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate—each of which has specific uses in medical treatment and also extends its shelf life. For example:

• Red blood cells are essential for trauma victims, surgical patients, or those with severe anemia.
• Plasma is used to treat burn victims and patients with blood clotting problems.
• Platelets save the lives of patients who are deficient in platelets and at risk of serious bleeding.
• Cryoprecipitate is needed for patients with certain clotting disorders such as hemophilia.

 

Becoming a blood donor is a simple act but has a huge impact. Unfortunately, less than 2% of the population donates blood regularly. Many are still hesitant due to myths and misunderstandings. Let's clear up this misconception:

• Myth 1: Donating blood hurts.
  o Fact: The process is quick and feels like a small prick. Most donors find it much more comfortable than expected.
• Myth 2: Donating blood will make you weak.
  o Fact: The body will replace the amount of blood lost within 24 to 48 hours. Donors are simply advised to rest and drink plenty of water, and most will feel normal soon after.
• Myth 3: I am too young or too old to donate.
  o Fact: First-time donors must be between 18–60 years old, while regular donors can donate up to 65 years old. Teenagers aged 17 need parental consent, and those aged 61–70 are eligible if they pass an annual health check. There is no age limit for healthy regular donors.

 

In addition to age, donors must be healthy, weigh at least 45 kg, get enough sleep, not take long-term medications or alcohol within 24 hours, and wait at least 3 months (4 months for women) between donations. Those who have recently had tattoos, piercings, acupuncture or are at high risk should wait 6 months.

We hope that every eligible individual will come forward to donate blood. Every drop brings hope and has the potential to save a life. Donate blood today—because someone's life may depend on you.

Dr. Ho Wen Chung

Medical Lecturer

Internal Medicine Specialist

Department of Medicine

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date of Input: 14/06/2025 | Updated: 14/06/2025 | nadia_rahman