World Blood Donor Day was observed on June 14 with the aim of creating awareness about need for safe blood and life-saving components of blood which is required for transfusion.
Theme of day 2021
This year, world blood donor day is being celebrated under theme- “Give blood and keep the world beating”.
Background
World Blood Donor Day is held on June 14, every year. First ever event was organised in 2005 as a joint initiative of World Health Organization, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The days seeks to raise awareness regarding the need for safe blood and blood products. World Blood Donor Day is one among 11 official global public health campaigns marked by WHO. Other 10 events are World Health Day, World Tuberculosis Day, World Chagas Disease Day, World Immunization Week, World Malaria Day, World Patient Safety Day, World Hepatitis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Health Day and World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.
Why is it celebrated on 14th June?
World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on 14th June to mark birthday anniversary of Karl Landsteiner who was born on June 14, 1868. Landsteiner was awarded with Nobel Prize for his discovery of ABO blood group system.