Nearly 120 million units of blood are donated every year. However, this is
not sufficient to meet the global need many patients requiring a transfusion do
not have timely access to safe blood. Blood cannot be stored indefinitely,
meaning there is a constant need for donations. Regular donations are required
to ensure there is always a supply for those in need. Despite global need,
donation rates differ around the world and some high-income countries see up to
seven times more donations than low-income countries.
Blood transfusions are needed for a wide range of health conditions
including anaemia, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, severe trauma
due to accidents, and surgical procedures. They are also regularly used for
patients with conditions such as sickle cell disease and thalassaemia and for
products to treat haemophilia.
Maintaining safe and effective procedures around the collection, storage and
use of donated blood is essential. Collectively called haemovigilance, these
procedures cover the entire blood transfusion chain and are used to standardize
the use of blood in healthcare.
Source: WHO Website