World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) - 14 June 2024

Tags: Important Days

World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) is globally observed every 14th of June to raise awareness about the importance of safe blood and blood products, as well as to express appreciation for voluntary, unpaid blood donors.

An Overview of the News

• The World Health Organization (WHO) leads the annual observance of WBDD.

• June 14, 2024, marks the 20th anniversary of WBDD.

• The theme/slogan for WBDD 2024 is "20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!"

• Peru is the host country for WBDD 2024, and the events are organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Peru.

Establishment and Background of WBDD

• WBDD was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004.

• It commemorates the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood groups in 1901.

• The first WBDD was observed on June 14, 2004.

Recognition and Adoption

• In 2005, the 58th World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted resolution WHA58.13 titled "Blood safety: proposal to establish World Blood Donor Day."

• This resolution endorsed the celebration of WBDD annually on June 14.