PAHO calls for strengthening voluntary blood donation in the Americas

Washington, D.C., June 12, 2026 (PAHO) - On the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, observed on June 14, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is reiterating its call to strengthen voluntary, regular, and unpaid blood donation across the Region of the Americas as the foundation for ensuring timely access to safe, sufficient, and accessible blood.

This year's campaign is held under the theme "One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives", highlighting the value of each donation as an act of solidarity that helps save lives and strengthen health systems.

"Every donation is an act of solidarity that saves lives," said PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa. "Equitable access to safe blood depends largely on having voluntary, regular donors who can help meet health service needs in a timely manner."

Currently, just over half of blood donations in the Region-approximately 51.5%-come from voluntary unpaid donors. The remainder largely consists of family/replacement donors, which limits the availability of a sufficient, stable, and predictable blood supply.

Although the Region has made progress in recent years, data show significant differences in blood availability among countries, as well as ongoing challenges in achieving sustainable national blood systems. On average, there are about 15 donations per 1,000 population, below the levels needed to achieve self-sufficiency in many countries.

For PAHO, increasing voluntary-particularly regular-donation is key to ensuring safer, more sustainable, and more responsive national blood systems.

Blood transfusions are essential for emergency care, complicated childbirth, surgical procedures, and the treatment of chronic conditions. However, reliance on family/replacement donors, while addressing immediate needs, does not ensure a continuous supply or allow for adequate planning of services.

In contrast, countries that have established systems based on voluntary, repeat donors achieve a more stable supply, reduce transfusion risks, and strengthen the resilience of their health systems.

Dr. Barbosa noted that health systems face the challenge of ensuring access to safe blood at all times, including during emergencies and disasters. "Overcoming these gaps requires strengthening public policies and programmes that promote voluntary, unpaid blood donation," he said.

On World Blood Donor Day, PAHO thanks those who donate regularly and calls on more people to join this effort. "Donating blood is one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives," the PAHO Director added.

The Organization urged countries in the Region to continue promoting strategies that facilitate voluntary unpaid blood donation, strengthen national blood programmes and blood services, and help ensure equitable and safe access for all.