JUNE 14, 1868, was the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, the creator of ABO blood group system, for which he also won the Noble Prize. Countries worldwide celebrate World Blood Donor Day with events to raise awareness of the need for safe blood.

The day is dedicated to thanking blood donors. The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2011 is “more blood, more life”. The theme reinforces the people all around the world to donate blood and become life-savers.

In developed countries blood donors are unpaid volunteers while in poor countries they are limited and usually give blood when friends and family are in need of it. Mostly, they are paid to maintain an adequate supply. WHO estimated that 92 million people have donated blood while 1.5 million are from Pakistan, which is of only 10 per cent.

To donate, one must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 lbs. For the sake of his safety, the donor is examined and asked specific questions about his medical history to make sure that donating blood isn’t hazardous to his health.

The level of haemoglobin is also tested so that the loss of blood won’t make them anaemic. Donating is saving life and a step in the right direction.

BAKHTAWAR ANWAR Kech, Turbat