Safe Blood Donations Increase Worldwide, But Access Gap Remains, WHO Says

More than 85% of blood donations now come from voluntary donors, although many low-income countries continue to face shortages.

The World Health Organization says the global supply of safe blood has improved significantly, with more than 85% of donations now coming from voluntary, unpaid donors. However, the agency warned that millions of people in lower-income countries still lack reliable access to lifesaving blood transfusions.

According to WHO, voluntary blood donation remains the safest and most sustainable method of maintaining national blood supplies. Countries with well-established donor programmes generally experience fewer shortages and better patient outcomes.

Despite the progress, many healthcare systems continue to face challenges in collecting, testing and distributing blood products, particularly in rural and resource-limited settings.

WHO is encouraging governments to invest in stronger blood collection systems, public awareness campaigns and laboratory infrastructure to ensure that blood remains safe and readily available for emergencies, surgeries and maternal healthcare.

Health experts note that an adequate blood supply is essential for trauma care, cancer treatment, childbirth complications and many other medical procedures.

The organisation called on countries to continue promoting voluntary donation as an important public health initiative that saves millions of lives each year