Who started World Blood Donor Day?

World Blood Donor Day was started by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004. It is celebrated every year on June 14th to honor the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered blood groups.

The WHO, along with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Society of Blood Transfusion, and the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations, jointly established this special day. Their goal was to raise global awareness about the need for safe blood and to thank voluntary blood donors for their kindness.

Reasons for starting World Blood Donor Day:

• To ensure safe and adequate blood supply worldwide.
• To educate people about the importance of regular blood donation.
• To recognize and honor blood donors for their selfless act.
• To reduce dependency on paid or unsafe blood donations.

World Blood Donor Day has grown into a global movement, saving millions of lives through voluntary blood donations.