WHO Urges Voluntary Blood Donations as Pakistan Faces Annual Shortfall

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on people across Pakistan to donate blood voluntarily, highlighting a significant gap between the country’s blood supply and growing healthcare needs.

Marking World Blood Donor Day, WHO launched its awareness campaign under the theme “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.” The organization emphasized that a single blood donation can help save up to three lives.

According to WHO estimates, Pakistan requires more than 5 million blood donations annually. However, the country currently receives only around 2.7 million donations each year, leaving a shortfall of approximately 2.3 million units.

WHO noted that voluntary and unpaid blood donations account for only 18 percent of the total supply, while the majority comes from family members or replacement donors.

WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr. Luo Dapeng, praised voluntary blood donors for their contribution to public health and lifesaving efforts. He stressed the importance of ensuring that every patient has access to safe and timely blood when needed.

He added that modern healthcare systems depend heavily on regular blood donations, as blood transfusions remain essential for a wide range of medical conditions and emergency situations.

The organization also encouraged governments and healthcare institutions to strengthen national blood systems by promoting voluntary donations, improving screening procedures, and ensuring safe transfusion practices.

Blood transfusions play a critical role in treating pregnancy-related complications, severe anemia, cancer patients, surgical cases, accident victims, and individuals living with conditions such as thalassemia, hemophilia, and sickle cell disease.

WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan in improving blood banking services and expanding access to safe and adequate blood supplies nationwide.