Belize City, Belize, November 10, 2022 (PAHO) – To encourage consistent blood donation, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) with funding support from the United States of America donated health promotional items to highlight the importance of sustained, year-round voluntary blood donation in saving lives in Belize.
World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually on June 14 to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion, to highlight the critical contribution voluntary blood donors make to national health systems, and to provide support to the national blood transfusion services, and other blood donor organizations to strengthen and expand the voluntary blood donor programs through national and local campaigns. However, there is need to sustain voluntary blood donations all throughout the year to ensure access to an adequate and safe blood supply.
This year, under the theme ‘Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives,’ Belize celebrated World Blood Donor Day through donor appreciation ceremonies, social media campaigns, and media broadcasts and appearances.
In an effort to inspire more volunteers and thank current blood donors for their solidarity and generosity, the Belize National Blood Transfusion Services received health promotional items such as World Blood Donor Day t-shirts and water bottles that could be given away to blood donors as an expression of appreciation and gratitude for the selfless and life-saving act of giving blood.
By working with entities such as Belize National Blood Transfusion Service and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) as well as partners like the United States Government, PAHO/WHO helps to ensure steps are taken for a continuous steady supply of safe blood in Belize.
