Voluntary blood donations exceed 85%, but many lack access to safe blood

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports progress in global blood supplies, with voluntary donations accounting for over 85% of the estimated 120 million blood donations in 2023. However, many patients still lack access to safe blood, particularly in lower-income countries.

Global Blood Collections

Data from 132 countries show that global blood collections increased by nearly 19% between 2013 and 2023. Voluntary, unpaid donors drove this progress, accounting for over 85% of the estimated 120 million blood donations received in 2023. Blood donation rates vary dramatically across countries, ranging from 0.4 to 53 donations per 1000 population.

Access to Safe Blood

Despite progress, access to safe blood and blood products remains highly unequal worldwide. Many patients, including women experiencing life-threatening bleeding during childbirth and children with severe anaemia, still lack reliable access to safe blood and life-saving transfusions, particularly in lower-income countries. High-income countries account for just 15% of the global population but collect 36% of all blood donations worldwide.

Challenges and Solutions

WHO analysis shows that nearly one-third of countries still lack specific legislation to ensure the safety and quality of blood and blood products. Sustainable financing remains a major challenge, with more than 1 in 7 countries reporting neither dedicated government budget allocations nor cost-recovery mechanisms for blood services. WHO calls on countries and partners to strengthen governance and regulation of blood services, ensure sustainable financing, and expand quality assurance programmes.