Donations of human blood and plasma form the basis for a wide
range of essential, often life-saving, therapies. Blood and its components are
also used in routine surgical procedures and therapies to improve the quality
of life of thousands of patients every day.
These treatments – based on blood and blood components – depend
on people's willingness to donate their blood. We are all potential donors,
able to provide this gift to our fellow citizens. Nevertheless, active blood
donors make up only 4% on average of the general population.
Initiatives such as annual World Blood Donor Day, this
year on 14 June, aim to celebrate this act of solidarity, and make people aware
that by donating blood they could be part of the solution to the acute need for
blood. Many events will be organised across Europe and worldwide, with a
special focus this year on young donors, who can bring "new blood for the
world".
We should not forget, however, that blood is a precious
substance, to be handled with the utmost respect. Blood must not be
"wasted" – all other alternative therapeutic options must be considered
before deciding to transfuse even one unit of blood.
The EU is committed to ensuring the quality and safety of blood
for transfusion through various legal instruments and policies. By doing so it
contributes in transforming each donation into a benefit for the patients.
