International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
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World Health Day

"Safe blood starts with me....blood saves lives!"

World Health Day on 7 April 2000 was dedicated to blood safety and this day served as a special occasion for the promotion of the development of national blood services based on voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies was invited to participate as a primary partner with the World Health Organization (WHO) in line with the longer-term blood safety strategies of both organisations.

Around the time of World Health Day and throughout the year, numerous activities were planned worldwide to highlight all aspects of blood safety. The main message of the day itself emphasised the breadth of issues, from political commitment to appropriate use of blood by clinicians and prescribers. The day also provided an opportunity for recognition and thanks to voluntary blood donors in every corner of the globe.

Three key objectives were identified for the day:
  • to raise awareness of blood safety issues globally
  • to encourage commitment and support for national blood programmes and to implement national blood legislation or a legal framework for a national blood programme to ensure the provision of safe blood
  • to promote and retain donations from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors from low-risk populations.
A summary of events and activities conducted on World Health Day 2000 can be found in edition 79 of the Donor International newsletter.


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World Health Day