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Cyprus holds the highest proportion of blood donations in terms of population, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday.
In an announcement to mark World Blood Donor Day, the WHO said that patient access to safe blood is still unequal worldwide, but that Cyprus “has, for years, been self-sufficient in meeting the blood needs of its patients.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, Cyprus’ ability to keep up such self-sufficiency is particularly important given that inherited blood diseases, mainly β-thalassemia, is more prevalent in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Southeast Asia than in other regions. In countries such as Cyprus, Greece and Italy, the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) estimates that about 20-40 per cent of the total amount of blood donated goes to managing patients with hemoglobinopathies.
“The greatest good that someone can offer to his fellow man is his own blood. Being in solidarity and offering to society as a whole is a personal responsibility and at the same time our greatest strength, the WHO said.
To mark the day, the First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides held a blood drive and press conference at the Presidential Palace.
To inspire voluntary blood donations, the TIF has published a series of pro-volunteerism messages and graphics on their online campaign this month. Throughout June, it will continue posting patient stories on social media so as to thank those who have donated.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Mail
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Mail
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