Joint blood drive by the WHO Regional Office and the WHO Country Office in Egypt

2 July 2026, Cairo, Egypt - To mark World Blood Donor Day 2026, held under the theme "One drop of humanity. Give blood. Save lives", the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and the WHO Country Office in Egypt held an internal blood drive for their workforce. The event, held on Tuesday at the Regional Office, was supported by Egypt's National Blood Transfusion Service.

Each blood donation has the potential to save up to 3 lives. Blood donated to the national blood bank helps communities across Egypt and in neighbouring emergency countries.

WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy and WHO Representative in Egypt Dr Nima Saeed Abid both attended the event. They underlined how the simple act of donating blood exemplifies compassion, solidarity and care for others.

"WHO calls on governments, partners and communities to invest in safe, sustainable blood services and to encourage more people to become regular voluntary donors. In times of peace and in times of conflict, safe blood saves lives," said Dr Balky.

Blood donations are essential to health systems worldwide, supporting patients during emergencies, childbirth, surgeries, cancer treatment and other serious conditions requiring lifelong care.

Science plays a crucial role in ensuring that every blood donation is safe, trusted and reaches those in need. Advances in diagnostic testing and blood safety systems have made blood transfusions safer than ever, reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections and contributing to better patient outcomes

The availability of safe blood depends on people willing to donate regularly and voluntarily. Many countries, particularly those in low- and middle-income settings, continue to face shortages and unequal access to safe blood and blood products.

Together, we can ensure that safe blood is available to everyone, everywhere, whenever it is needed.