The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a critical call for strengthened national systems to ensure blood transfusion safety and availability, highlighting persistent inequalities and weak governance as major obstacles. The appeal comes ahead of World Blood Donor Day on June 14th, with the theme "One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.".

Despite a global increase in voluntary, unpaid blood donations, which now account for over 85% of collections, a significant gap remains in ensuring access to safe blood for all patients. Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated that while voluntary donations have risen, only 40% of countries possess fully functional national blood systems with adequate governance, quality control, and financing.. He emphasized that robust governance is not optional but a matter of life and death for vulnerable populations, including mothers in childbirth, anemic children, and surgical patients..

New data reveals stark disparities in blood availability: high-income countries average 33 donations per 1,000 people, while low-income countries average only five.. Less than half of low-income nations have national blood policies backed by legislation, and many still rely on family replacement or paid donors, increasing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections..

The WHO is urging governments to establish independent national blood authorities, enforce quality standards, and provide dedicated funding to maintain blood services.. Many countries face inadequate governance and unsustainable financing, hindering access to essential blood products, especially in low- and middle-income settings..

The organization's latest report indicates that while global blood collections increased by nearly 19% between 2013 and 2023, access remains highly unequal.. Inadequate financing, weak infrastructure, and logistical barriers contribute to blood supply shortages in lower-income countries.. Approximately one-third of countries lack specific legislation for blood safety and quality, and only 40% have accredited blood transfusion services..

To address these challenges, the WHO advocates for strengthening national blood systems and regulatory frameworks, improving availability and affordability of blood products, optimizing clinical use, and enhancing surveillance.. The organization also calls for increased sustainable financial support and specific legislation in countries where it is lacking..

“No one should die because safe blood is unavailable when it is needed,” Dr. Tedros emphasized. “Governments must continue investing in strong, sustainable national blood systems and supporting the voluntary unpaid blood donors whose generosity saves millions of lives every year.”. The WHO's Action Framework to advance universal access to safe, effective and quality-assured blood products for 2026–2030 outlines strategic objectives to ensure timely and equitable access to safe blood products globally..