By recognizing the silent and unsung heroes who save lives every day through their blood donations, the campaign encourages more people to donate blood voluntarily and regularly.
This year, several high-profile people will donate blood including parliamentarians, heads of UN agencies, Ministry of Health staff and WHO staff. The Day will culminate in the 3 km "Be a hero – run for blood’" race in Khartoum.
The transfusion of blood and blood products helps save millions of lives every year. It can help improve life expectancy and the quality of life for patients suffering from life-threatening conditions, and supports complex medical and surgical procedures.
In many countries, including Sudan, demand outstrips supply, and blood services face the challenge of making sufficient blood available, while also ensuring its quality and safety.
Today, in 62 countries, national blood supplies are based on 100% voluntary unpaid blood donation. However, in Sudan, only 49% is based on voluntary unpaid blood donation. Sudan has agreed to reach 100% voluntary unpaid blood donation by 2020.
