10 facts on blood transfusion

1.    Blood transfusion saves lives and improves health

2.    Transfusions are used to support various treatments

3.    Adequate supply of safe blood can only be assured through regular voluntary unpaid donation

4.    Voluntary unpaid donors account for 100% of blood supplies in 60 countries

5.    Around 107 million blood donations are collected globally every year

6.    Collections at blood centers vary according to income group

7.    More people in high-income countries donate blood than in other countries

8.    Donated blood should always be screened

9.    A single unit of blood can benefit several patients

10. Unnecessary transfusions expose patients to needless risk

Source:

http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/blood_transfusion/blood_transfusion/en/index.html

This video message by WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan was produced on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, 14 June 2013. It highlights the call by the World Health Organization for all countries to obtain 100% of their supplies of blood and blood products from voluntary unpaid blood donors by 2020. Providing safe and adequate supplies of blood and blood products should be an integral part of every country's national health care policy and infrastructure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_!--embed--ded&v=APR0iTC1obk