Blood safety is a critical underpinning for safe blood transfusion and health systems. People in all countries have a right to expect that the blood and blood products supplied to them are gathered, produced and provided in a safe and sustainable way that supports their communities and their health systems.

The IFRC recognizes that “health security is a fundamental and indispensable prerequisite to global, national and individual development” and it supports the advancement of global health security by promoting voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRBD), and advocating for the safe provision of blood and products.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) recognises that it is the responsibility of governments to ensure a safe and adequate supply of blood, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in many countries, as auxiliaries to their governments, play an important role in promoting safe and sustainable blood programmes. National Society activities range from the provision of the national blood service, to systematic recruitment of voluntary blood donors, to promotion of blood donation and advocacy for VNRBD, for example annual participation in World Blood Donor Day.