On 14 June, every year, the World Blood Donor Day is celebrated. Background World Blood Donor Day, celebrated annually on 14 June, is a worldwide celebration to honour and thank those people who donate their blood, voluntarily and unpaid, to give others the gift of life. It is celebrated on the day of birthday anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood group system. Theme for 2026 - One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives. This year’s campaign, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.”, places humanity at the heart of every blood donation. It reminds us that each donation is more than a medical act: it is a powerful expression of solidarity, compassion and collective responsibility. Inspired by the idea that the whole of humanity can be reflected in a single drop, the campaign highlights how every donor helps form a lifeline that connects and protects us all. While advances in science, testing and blood safety systems have made transfusion safer than ever, safe blood remains dependent on people willing to donate regularly and voluntarily. Yet many countries continue to face shortages and unequal access to safe blood and blood products, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. The objectives of the campaign: drive sustained growth in regular, voluntary unpaid blood donation worldwide; raise awareness of the life-saving impact of blood and plasma donation; highlight the vital contribution of blood donors and promote the values of solidarity and humanity; and encourage governments and partners to strengthen and invest in national blood programmes to achieve universal access to safe blood transfusion. Key messages Safe blood saves lives. A single donation can help save up to three lives. Blood donation is humanity in action. Giving blood is more than a medical act; it is a powerful expression of solidarity, compassion and care for others. Together, donors form a lifeline that connects and protects communities everywhere. A reliable blood supply is critical for patients in need of transfusions due to childbirth complications, severe anemia, surgeries, chronic blood conditions, cancer treatment and many other life-threatening situations. Safe blood and plasma donations transform lives. In addition to transfusions, donated plasma helps produce essential treatments for people living with bleeding disorders, immune deficiencies and other serious conditions. Regular, voluntary, unpaid blood donors are the backbone of safe blood supplies. Everyone who can donate is encouraged to give regularly to help ensure reliable access to blood for all patients in need. Everyone everywhere should have timely access to safe blood and blood products. Universal access to safe blood transfusion is essential for saving lives, strengthening health systems and advancing universal health coverage. Achieving safe blood for all is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing commitment. It calls for sustained investment in science, systems, and people. Every new donor strengthens the lifeline. Encouraging more people – especially younger generations – to donate blood helps build resilient blood systems for the future. Thank you to all blood donors for your drop of humanity. Every donation helps form a shared lifeline of solidarity, compassion and care that saves lives every day. Source : World Health Organisation