Nationwide solidarity boosts blood donations as first-time, female donors step forward in Iran
Iran’s Blood Transfusion Organization chief Ahmad Gharehbaghian said Friday that blood donations have surged since the onset of the “third imposed war,” on February 28, with first-time donors and women driving a sharp rise.
Gharehbaghian said more than 63% of donors were giving blood for the first time, marking a significant shift in public participation as authorities ramped up mobilization efforts in the early days of the conflict, IRNA reported.
He added that women’s contributions climbed by over 79%, a record high that underscores expanding civic engagement during wartime, according to IRNA.
“From the outset,” he said, coordinated planning helped “reshape” donation patterns nationwide, bringing new groups into the system and stabilizing supply chains under pressure.
He emphasized that the organization is now working to convert first-time donors into regular contributors, calling sustained participation “essential” to meeting long-term medical needs.
The official also outlined upcoming outreach and education campaigns aimed at further boosting women’s involvement in what he described as a humanitarian duty.
Gharehbaghian praised donors, medical staff and media outlets for what he termed their “strong” support, saying their collective effort has reinforced national resilience.