Why should people donate blood?

Safe blood saves lives. Blood is needed by women with complications during
pregnancy and childbirth, children with severe anaemia, often resulting from
malaria or malnutrition, accident victims and surgical and cancer patients.

There is a constant need for a regular supply of blood because it can be stored
only for a limited period of time before use. Regular blood donation by a sufficient
number of healthy people is needed to ensure that blood will always be available
whenever and wherever it is needed.

Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person the gift of life.
A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated
into its components – red cells, platelets and plasma – which can be used individually for patients
with specific conditions.