The World Health Organization (WHO) released a new report on global blood supply safety. This report was published on World Blood Donor Day, which is observed annually on June 14.

Global blood collections increased by nearly 19 percent between 2013 and 2023. An estimated 120 million blood donations were received worldwide in 2023, with voluntary unpaid donors accounting for over 85 percent of these donations. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said: "These data show encouraging progress, particularly in the growing contribution of voluntary unpaid blood donors worldwide, but it also reminds us that where a person lives can still determine whether they have access to the blood transfusion they need. Governments must continue investing in strong, sustainable national blood systems and supporting the voluntary unpaid blood donors whose generosity saves millions of lives every year."

High-income countries, which represent 15 percent of the global population, collected 36 percent of all blood donations. In these countries, voluntary unpaid donations accounted for 98.4 percent of all blood donations. In contrast, low-income countries saw voluntary unpaid donations account for 63.4 percent of their total. Twenty-four countries reported collecting fewer than five blood donations per 1,000 population.

Nearly one-third of countries lack specific legislation to ensure the safety and quality of blood and blood products. While 64 percent of countries reported having systems for regular inspection of blood services, and 62 percent had licensing systems, only 40 percent indicated that at least some blood transfusion services were accredited. More than one in seven countries reported having neither dedicated government budget allocations nor cost-recovery mechanisms for blood services.

The WHO report drew on data from 168 countries, representing 97 percent of the global population. Deusdedit Mubangizi, WHO Director for Medicines and Health Products Policies and Standards, said: "Access to sufficient, secure supplies of blood and blood products, coupled with safe transfusion practices, is a fundamental component of resilient health systems and a critical enabler of universal health coverage. Despite notable progress over the past decade, universal access to safe blood and blood products remains elusive for many countries."

No independent assessment was available for this report.