China has witnessed a historic surge in voluntary blood donations in 2023, reaching an unprecedented 16.99 million donations. This marks a 5.9 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to data released by the National Health Commission (NHC) of China.
The total volume of blood collected from these voluntary donations also hit a new high, expanding by 4.8 percent over the past year. The NHC highlighted that both the number of donations and the total blood volume have been on a continuous upward trend for more than two decades, reflecting a growing awareness and participation in blood donation across the nation.
These statistics were unveiled at a national event held in Jinan, the capital of east China's Shandong Province, on Friday to commemorate World Blood Donor Day. The event aimed to honor the selfless contributions of blood donors and to encourage more citizens to participate in this life-saving act.
World Blood Donor Day is observed annually on June 14 to raise global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion. China's significant increase in donations this year underscores the success of national campaigns promoting voluntary blood donation and the importance of community participation in healthcare initiatives.
The consistent growth in blood donations is crucial for supporting the country's healthcare system, ensuring that hospitals have adequate blood supplies for surgeries, treatments, and emergency responses. The NHC expressed gratitude to all donors and called for continued support to meet the increasing demand for blood transfusions.
As China continues to develop its healthcare infrastructure, the active involvement of its citizens in voluntary blood donation plays a vital role in enhancing medical services and saving lives. The record-high numbers in 2023 reflect not only the generosity of the Chinese people but also the effectiveness of public health policies promoting social responsibility and community health.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
