WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says while new data suggests progress in voluntary blood donation across Latin America and the Caribbean, key challenges remain in achieving 100 per cent voluntary donations.

PAHO in a statement issued ahead of World Blood Donor Day on Saturday, said the preliminary report, “Access to Blood for Transfusion in Latin American and Caribbean Countries 2023,” shows that 23 countries, including six Caribbean nations, collected 9,212,861 units of blood in 2023, marking a 15.5 per cent increase compared to the 7,776,198 units collected in 2020.

PAHO said nearly 80 per cent of countries reported significant increases thanks to post-pandemic recovery and new awareness strategies.

“Equitable access to safe blood is a right for all people and can only be guaranteed through well-organised, efficient systems based on regular, voluntary, and non-remunerated donation,” said Dr Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO director.

“We are grateful to those who give generously and encourage more people to join this life-saving act of solidarity,” he added.

The region averages 16 blood donations per 1,000 inhabitants, but disparities persist with 13 countries falling below this average, while 10 exceed it.

In 2023, PAHO said 56.8 per cent of donated blood came from voluntary donors, a 6.7 per cent increase compared to 2019, resuming the pre-pandemic growth trend.

It said this progress was driven by digital campaigns, mobile drives, and institutional partnerships. The remaining donations came from family members or close contacts responding to direct requests. No country reported paid for donations, highlighting the region’s commitment to altruistic giving.

PAHO’s Regional Blood Services Advisor, Mauricio Beltrán, said that equitable access and a steady supply of safe blood and plasma depend on voluntary, non-remunerated donation.

“We need more regular, altruistic donors,” he said, explaining that this type of donation prevents shortages and provides more sustainable access compared to one-time family donations, which, while valuable, tend to be reactive.

The report also highlights improvements in safety and quality, with 100 per cent of donated units being screened for transfusion-transmissible infections, and 90 per cent were fractionated into components such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, optimising clinical use.

However, national and regional blood systems continue to face structural challenges. Over 1,900 collection sites and 1,400 processing centres operate independently, limiting efficiency. Only four countries processed more than 10,000 units per year on average, with Paraguay leading at 20,706 units.

“Blood transfusions are essential for treating postpartum haemorrhage, childhood anaemia due to malnutrition or malaria, disaster-related injuries, and complex surgical procedures. PAHO urges governments to invest in efficient national blood systems, promote voluntary donation, and strengthen oversight to ensure equitable and safe access,” he said.

This year’s World Blood Donor Day will be held under the theme “Give blood, give hope: Together we save lives”.