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In pics: World Blood Donor Day
Published: Jun 15, 2021 08:44 AM
A donator donates blood at a blood center of Sanaa, Yemen, on Feb. 13, 2021.(Photo: Xinhua)

A donator donates blood at a blood center of Sanaa, Yemen, on Feb. 13, 2021.(Photo: Xinhua)


 
A medical worker from the Algerian Red Crescent Society shows blood collected from donors at a blood donation point in downtown Algiers, Algeria, Jan. 5, 2021.(Photo: Xinhua)

A medical worker from the Algerian Red Crescent Society shows blood collected from donors at a blood donation point in downtown Algiers, Algeria, Jan. 5, 2021.(Photo: Xinhua)


 
Patients recovered from COVID-19 donate plasma at the National Blood Transfusion Center in Baghdad, Iraq, June 28, 2020. (Photo: Xinhua)

Patients recovered from COVID-19 donate plasma at the National Blood Transfusion Center in Baghdad, Iraq, June 28, 2020. (Photo: Xinhua)


 
A man dressed in a ghost costume for Halloween donates blood at the Thai Red Cross in Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 31, 2018. (Photo: Xinhua)

A man dressed in a ghost costume for Halloween donates blood at the Thai Red Cross in Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 31, 2018. (Photo: Xinhua)


 
June 14 marks World Blood Donor Day. First launched in 2004, this special day aims to raise global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion and of the critical contribution voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to national health systems.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, despite limited mobility and other challenges, blood donors in many countries have continued to donate blood and plasma to patients who need a transfusion. This extraordinary effort during a time of unprecedented crisis highlights the crucial role of well-organized, committed voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors in ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply during normal and emergency times.

Giving blood is a life-saving act of solidarity. The slogan for World Blood Donor Day 2021 is "Give blood and keep the world beating." Let's seize the occasion to recognize the essential contribution blood donors make to keeping the world pulsating by saving lives and improving others' health.