World Blood Donor Day 2023:
History, significance and health benefits:
The World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every year on June 14 to thank the altruistic acts of selflessness of voluntary blood donors and celebrate life and humanity. Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person – the gift of life. A decision to donate blood can save a life, or even several lives, if the blood is separated into its components – red cells, platelets and plasma – which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.
History of World Blood Donor Day:
In 2004 World Blood Donor Day was first distinguished by the WHO. In the 58th World Health Assembly, 2005 it was declared as an annual global event to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation.
The history of blood donation goes far back to ancient times. In written history, English physician Richard Lower is most remembered for his pioneering work on blood transfusion and the function of the cardiopulmonary system, which he described in his book ‘Tractatus de Corde’. He was the first one to examine the science of blood donation with animals and he managed to successfully transfuse blood between two dogs with no appreciable ill effects.
But WHO decided to celebrate the birthday of Karl Landsteiner as World Blood Donor day. Landsteiner was Austrian American immunologist, pathologist. He was awarded Nobel Prize in 1930 for his works on blood group and development of modern blood transfusion system.
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