On 14 June, every year, the World Blood Donor Day is celebrated. Background World Blood Donor Day, celebrated annually on 14 June, is a worldwide celebration to honour and thank those people who donate their blood, voluntarily and unpaid, to give others the gift of life. It is celebrated on the day of birthday anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood group system. Theme for 2025 - Give blood, give hope: together we save lives This year, the theme honors hope, the kind donors give with every drop of blood. Because millions of patients around the world rely on blood transfusions every year, hope flows through every donation. The objectives of the campaign: raise public awareness about the critical need for blood and plasma donations and the impact they have on patients' lives; encourage both new and existing donors to give blood regularly, helping to ensure a stable and sufficient blood supply; highlight the positive impact of blood donors on the health and well-being of others and promote the values of solidarity, compassion, and community through blood donation; and mobilize support from governments and development partners to invest in and sustain national blood programs to achieve universal access to safe blood transfusion worldwide. Key messages Safe blood saves lives. A single donation can help save up to three lives. Every blood donation is a gift of hope. It can mean the difference between life and death for patients in need of transfusions. Blood donation is a collective effort and a powerful act of solidarity. By coming together as a community of donors, we ensure a steady and safe blood supply for all who need it. Anyone, anywhere, who needs a transfusion should have timely access to safe blood. Yet in many cases, particularly in emergencies or where donation systems are still developing, the demand often outpaces the supply. Everyone who can donate blood should consider making regular voluntary, unpaid donations, so that all countries have adequate and reliable blood supplies. Access to safe blood and blood product is essential for universal health coverage and a key component of effective health systems. Governments and partners must invest in strong national blood programs to ensure universal access to safe blood transfusions. Thank you to all blood donors for your invaluable contributions in bringing hope and saving lives. Source : World Health Organisation