TEHRAN – A total of 1,621,911 Iranians donated blood in the first eight months of this year’s Iranian calendar, which began on March 21, according to Blood Transfusion Organization officials.
The growth in blood donations was highest in Zanjan (about 12%), Sistan and Baluchestan (more than 9%) and Fars (more than 7%), Mehr News Agency reported, according to Babak Yektaparast News Agency.
This accounted for 17% of the total blood donations in Tehran province during the same period. Fars and Isfahan provinces donated more than 7 percent and nearly 6 percent of the total blood donations over the eight-month period, respectively.
He pointed out that women account for about 5% of blood donations in the country.
The official further said that the sustained increase in blood donations in the country over the past eight months has been 55%.
WHO praises IBTO’s achievements
In January, World Health Organization Director Jafar Hussein praised the leadership of the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) in blood safety and blood transfusion services, highlighting the organization’s remarkable achievements of a 100% voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation system, which is proof that the principles of universal health coverage are being put into practice.
He also thanked blood donors, saying their dedication is an inspiration to everyone.
The official praised IBTO’s efforts and expertise in serving patients with rare blood types and highlighted Iran’s ability to serve as a model for other countries in the field of blood transfusion and rare blood management.
The official, speaking on National Rare Blood Day on January 22, praised the country’s steadfast commitment to equitable access to healthcare, ensuring no one is left behind, regardless of blood type.
The official emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation and unwavering determination in this global effort, and praised the country’s unwavering dedication to addressing the unique challenges surrounding rare blood, the WHO website said in a press release on January 27.
He praised the leadership of the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) in blood safety and blood transfusion services, and highlighted the remarkable achievements of the 100% voluntary and unpaid blood donation system, which is proof that the principle of universal health coverage is put into practice. He also thanked blood donors, saying their dedication is an inspiration to everyone.
Blood donation amount increased by 1.5% compared to the previous year
Approximately 2.36 million Iranians donated blood in the past Iranian calendar year (March 2024 to March 2025), an increase of 1.5% from the previous year.
According to IRIB news agency, Tehran and Fars, Khorasan Razavi, Isfahan, Mazandaran and Khuzestan provinces made the largest contributions.
According to the IRIB news agency, in the past year (Iran) approximately 4 million pieces of blood, including blood products, have been transferred to medical centers.
95% of blood donors were men, with women contributing only 5%. The highest percentage of women were in Lorestan, North Khorasan and Sistan-Baluchestan provinces, he added.
The official stressed the need for negative blood types and said 90% of donors had positive blood types.
MT/MG