Iran achieves impressive blood donation rates despite challenges
The need for healthy blood is critical in saving lives worldwide. Without an adequate supply of blood, many individuals undergoing surgeries, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, accidents, premature infants with jaundice, pregnant women during delivery, and thalassemia or hemophilia patients are at risk. Developing countries that expand their diagnostic and treatment capabilities face a continuous increase in the demand for blood and blood products, particularly for cancer patients.
Blood donation rates in middle to high-income countries average 16 per thousand individuals, while high-income countries average 31 per thousand individuals. Disparities in blood donation rates highlight the need for amplified efforts to encourage blood donation in developing countries. Iran, with an impressive blood donation rate of over 26 per thousand people, has taken significant strides in improving its blood supply. Despite several challenges, the country has achieved remarkable success in its blood donation programs, with the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) playing a pivotal role.
The IBTO holds exclusive authority over blood procurement and distribution in Iran. The organization ensures that blood donation is entirely voluntary. Last year, Iranians donated 2,223,492 units of blood, with North Khorasan Province recording the highest growth rate of 34%. Tehran Province had the highest rate, with 369,523 units donated last year.
Female donation rate
Women donate about 50% of blood in developed countries, with higher blood donation rates and healthier blood. Women answer pre-donation questions more honestly and donate more frequently than men. Women’s blood donation rate in Iran increased by almost 12% last year compared to a year earlier. Lorestan Province had the highest female participation rate, with nearly 10% of blood donation, while Kurdestan and North Khorasan provinces followed with more than 9% and 7.5%, respectively.
Ilam Province, North Khorasan Province, and Kurdestan Province recorded the highest growth in the number of women donors last year, with growth rates of more than 63%, more than 61%, and nearly 51%, respectively.
Continual donation increases
The IBTO reported that the 54% rate of blood donation by continuous donors demonstrates the importance of regular blood donation in Iran. The number of regular donors has increased by over 7%, with North Khorasan posting the highest growth rate of nearly 34%. The growth rates in various provinces demonstrate that individuals in Iran have incorporated blood donation into their life plans as a self-care practice.
IBTO’s efforts have significantly contributed to the improvement of Iran’s blood donation rates, as evidenced by the growth rates in various provinces. Semnan Province, Qom Province, and Yazd Province are the provinces with the highest continuous blood donation rates, with nearly 68%, more than 63%, and more than 62%, respectively.
Over 20,000 patients suffering from thalassemia, traffic accidents, and specialized surgeries require blood and its derivatives, which accounts for the high consumption of blood in the country. As the population ages, regular blood donation becomes even more critical.
Equitable blood distribution
The National Blood Network distributes blood from provinces with more blood donations and lower consumption to provinces with fewer blood donations and higher consumption, ensuring equitable blood distribution across all provinces. Despite challenging situations like higher demand for blood in certain provinces or a shortage of medical facilities, the national blood supply network ensures that blood distribution remains fair and impartial.
The network has seen a 40% increase in blood distribution in the past year compared to a year before, giving out over 176,000 units of blood and its products.