In Italy, blood donors are decreasing. A negative trend, already highlighted, which in 2020 records a decrease of 3.4% compared to 2019. The transfusion system holds up to Covid but needs “volunteers”. One need is to reduce the use of foreign stocks for the plasma necessary for the production of life-saving drugs which, for 25%, is imported, while we are self-sufficient in the collection of red blood cells. The decline in young donors is confirmed, between 18 and 25 years old, who fall below 200,000, and in those in the upper groups up to 45 years, while the under 45s increase. The data will be disseminated on the occasion of World Donor Day of blood which opens on June 14 in Rome with the slogan “Give blood and keep the world beating”.
Pope Francis’ thanks to donors
A global event, promoted by the World Health Organization, with the Ministry of Health and the major donor associations, in the belief that such a simple gesture really gives vital impetus to the heart of the world. In a capital, which will color the Colosseum red, Pope Francis will address his thanks to donors during the Angelus on Sunday 13 June. Before the official events, Saturday 12 June, the webinar, organized by Avis Nazionale and the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, dedicated to the role of blood and blood components in the treatment of rare diseases. The Auditorium Parco della Musica, on Monday 14, will host the institutional conference with the highest offices of the State and the WHO.
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The after Covid
«I think that the donation of blood is an extraordinary act – declared the Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza – which allows this machine of the health service to work every day, to be up to it. We are preparing for these two days with the right spirit, especially aware of this very difficult phase that we have experienced and that today we can face with greater confidence above all thanks to the presence of vaccines ». The president of national Avis Giampiero Briola emphasizes the importance of this appointment. “This year’s edition of World Donor Day takes on an even more particular meaning – underlines Briola – Covid has represented a tough enemy to beat and only now, albeit with caution, can we look to the future with confidence. If the risk of a shortage of blood and blood products linked to the pandemic has been contained, much of the credit goes to donors and voluntary associations who, even in the most complicated months, have made no shortage of commitment and support to the transfusion system. The numbers also show that, despite a slight and understandable decline, our system is solid and represents international excellence. June 14 will be a time of celebration for all of us with the hope that the coming months, thanks to the growing vaccination campaign, can be a harbinger of health and serenity for all of us ».
Songwriters and scientists
The stage of the Auditorium, after the institutional part, will give space to music. To use the notes to draw attention to the importance of the donation will be songwriters and influencers from Ron to Cecilia Cantarano, up to the Indonesian franc Anggun, a concert in which the State Police Band also participates.
The event will continue on June 15 with discussions between representatives of the scientific community from five continents. On the table the issues of donor management and the blood resource and the pitfalls represented by a Covid emergency, to win a challenge that has no confinement.