14 June 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day, a global celebration of life-saving generosity. The 2025 theme, “Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives”, highlights how each donation carries the potential to save lives and provide hope to patients and families in need. It’s a day to honour voluntary, unpaid blood donors and to raise awareness about the ongoing need for safe and sufficient blood supplies.
Why Blood Donation Matters
One bag of donated blood can save up to three lives. Every few seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion—whether it’s due to surgery, cancer treatment, trauma, anaemia, or childbirth complications.
In March 2024, the Ministry of Health (MoH) reported that Malaysia requires at least 2,000 bags of blood daily to meet national demand. Recent status shows by the National Blood Centre in May 2025, the stock level of the blood is within safe levels thanks to the generous blood donors. As blood cannot be manufactured, it relies entirely on the generosity of voluntary donors.
Blood at a Glance: Components & Roles
Did you know the phrase “One pint saves three lives” stems from the blood composition? Blood is made up of three main components: red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Each serves a specific function and supports a wide variety of life-saving treatments and procedures:
- Red blood cells: They are primarily given to patients with blood disorders like sickle cell disease, chronic anaemia from kidney failure, or internal bleeding. They are also vital for treating severe blood loss from trauma or managing low red blood cell counts in premature infants.
- Platelets: Most often used in cancer care and are also administered to patients undergoing organ transplants or open-heart surgery.
- Plasma: Typically given to individuals suffering from serious burns, infections, or liver failure.
- Whole blood transfusions: Commonly used during surgeries or in emergency cases involving major injuries.
That is why we are grateful for the voluntary blood donors, as they help save multiple lives with their blood donations. From motor vehicle accidents to patients undergoing life-changing treatments, many benefit from blood transfusions, something we often overlook.
Blood Donor Benefits
Let’s not forget—the benefits of donating blood don’t end with the person receiving it. Donors, too, gain valuable health and emotional benefits from their generous act, such as:
- Free Mini Health Check
Includes basic health screening during donation consultation. You’ll get your blood pressure, pulse, haemoglobin, and temperature checked — this can help detect early signs of illness like anaemia, infection, or hypertension
- Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Regular blood donation may help maintain heart health, as it reduces blood viscosity (thickness), improves circulation and lowers strain on your heart.
- Supports Mental Health
Studies show that helping others through donation activates the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals (like dopamine), which may help you feel less anxious, calmer, and more fulfilled after donating.
- Aids Liver Detoxification
Excess iron is stored in the liver. Donating blood helps reduce iron levels, thus relieving your liver of excess storage burden. This can help prevent iron-induced oxidative damage, which harms liver cells. It also reduces risk of hemochromatosis (a condition where the body absorbs too much iron from food).
Ready to donate?
Let’s take a look at the donor’s requirements and what you can do before and after a blood donation.
Voices from Donors
Let’s hear from our unsung heroes what they have to say about blood donations. These heroes are responsible for keeping our blood supply at safe levels as of May 2025. Some of these heroes have donated up to 367 times in their lives which is up to 1,101 of lives have been saved.
“For many, the first time is always scary, but it felt good afterward. My friends encouraged me, and now we challenge each other to see who donates the most.”
— Mr. A, 38, videographer
“These days, I think people only realise they need to donate blood or there’s a necessity for it when someone close to them needs it. That’s why I donate, I know how crucial it is.”
—Mr. I, 47, former soldier turned technician
“Blood donation should be about giving without expecting anything in return.”
— Ms. Z, repeat donor
(Loheswar, 2025)
How can you be a part of this World Blood Donor Day?
This World Blood Donor Day, whether you’ve donated before or it’s your first time—take that step. One small act can make a big difference. Every drop of blood you give can help save someone’s life.
Let’s celebrate 20 years of World Blood Donor Day by doing something meaningful. Encourage your friends and family to join you. Every drop counts. Every donor is a hero. Let’s make sure our supply never runs out.
References
- R. Loheswar. “From 367 Donations to Lifelong Pledges, Meet Malaysia’s Repeat Blood Donors, the Silent Heroes Saving Lives.” Malay Mail , Malay Mail, 14 Apr. 2025, www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/15/from-367-donations-to-lifelong-pledges-meet-malaysias-repeat-blood-donors-the-silent-heroes-saving-lives/169497.
- “ Pusat Darah Negara (KKM).” Pdn.gov.my, pdn.gov.my/v2/index.php.
