A blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is a key component of an effective health system. The global theme of World Blood Donor Day changes each year in recognition of the selfless individuals who donate their blood for people unknown to them.

On World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on 14 June 2024, WHO, its partners and communities across the world will unite behind the theme: 20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!

The 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day is an excellent and timely opportunity to thank blood donors across the world for their life-saving donations over the years and honour the profound impact on both patients and donors. It is also a timely moment to address continued challenges, and accelerate progress towards a future where safe blood transfusion is universally accessible.

The objectives of the campaign:

• thank and recognize the millions of voluntary blood donors who have contributed to the health and well-being of millions of people around the world.
• showcase the achievements and challenges of national blood programmes and share best practices and lessons learned.
• highlight the continuous need for regular, unpaid blood donation to achieve universal access to safe blood transfusion.
• promote a culture of regular blood donation among young people and the general public and increase the diversity and sustainability of the blood donor pool.