WHO urges to promote voluntary blood donations in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD (APP) – The World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday called on people across Pakistan to donate blood voluntarily, warning that the country faces an annual shortage of 2.3 million blood donations._x000D_
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“This shortage is hampering hospitals’ ability to save lives,” WHO said, ahead of World Blood Donor Day being observed on June 14._x000D_
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Marking this year’s World Blood Donor Day under the slogan “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives,” WHO emphasized that blood donation is an act of human solidarity that can help save up to three lives through a single donation._x000D_
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According to WHO estimates, Pakistan requires more than five million blood donations annually to meet healthcare needs, but currently receives only around 2.7 million donations each year._x000D_
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The organization noted that just 18 percent of donations are voluntary and unpaid, while the remaining 82 percent come from family or replacement donors._x000D_
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“Voluntary blood donors are public health heroes,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng._x000D_
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“On World Blood Donor Day, WHO pays tribute to the millions of voluntary, unpaid blood donors whose generosity saves lives every day in Pakistan and across the world.”_x000D_
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He stressed that no patient should die due to a lack of access to blood, adding that while medical science has advanced significantly, hospitals and healthcare workers cannot save lives without adequate blood supplies and public support through donations._x000D_
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WHO highlighted that blood transfusions are critical for managing pregnancy-related bleeding, severe childhood anemia, bleeding disorders, infectious diseases, cancers and other chronic conditions._x000D_
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They are also essential for complex surgeries, emergency care, disasters and conflict situations._x000D_
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The organization urged governments and health authorities to strengthen national blood systems by promoting voluntary donations, ensuring equitable access to blood and adopting safe transfusion practices._x000D_
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Reaffirming its support for Pakistan’s healthcare sector, WHO said it would continue working with the country’s health workforce to strengthen blood banks and promote standardized screening methods and protocols to ensure safe and sufficient blood supplies for all citizens, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.