Towards 100% Voluntary Blood Donation: A Global Framework for Action

Excerpt

This global framework for action to achieve 100% voluntary blood donation has been developed jointly by the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. It is designed to provide guidance and support to countries seeking to establish effective voluntary blood donor programmes, phase out family/replacement blood donation and eliminate paid donation.

The vision embodied in this framework is the achievement of 100% voluntary non-remunerated blood donation in every country of the world. It is based on the recognition that voluntary non-remunerated blood donors are the foundation of a safe, sustainable blood supply. Without a system based on voluntary unpaid blood donation, particularly regular voluntary donation, no country can provide sufficient blood for all patients who require transfusion.

This document aims to:

1. provide information and guidance on the vital role of voluntary blood donors in assuring the availability of stable and sufficient supplies of safe blood for transfusion; and

2. propose a series of interlinking strategies and suggestions for concrete action at national and community levels to scale up voluntary blood donor programmes with heightened commitment and support from governments, partners and other stakeholders.