Blood donation activities are held annually

One blood donation can save as many as three lives. Sustainable and quality blood services play a critical role in the health of a society and in preparing for, and responding to, disasters.

Blood can be used for lots of different life-saving purposes, including: assisting patients undergoing surgery, treating diseases such as anaemia and malaria, caring for patients on chemotherapy, supporting women with complications during childbirth

While the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that it is the responsibility of governments to ensure a safe and adequate supply of blood, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in many countries, as auxiliaries to their governments, play an important role in promoting safe and sustainable blood programmes.