Who can and cannot donate blood on World Blood Donor Day?

Many people can be helped and supported by donating blood. However, not everyone is permitted to give blood. Here’s the lowdown on who can and cannot donate blood.

Blood donation is a selfless act that can help millions of people suffering from chronic illnesses. The urgency to donate blood has increased, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a scarcity of donated blood becoming a concern.

Every year on June 14, World Blood Donor Day raises awareness of the importance of blood donation, encouraging many people to become blood donors.

However, as much as a person may want to donate blood, it’s also important to understand that the WHO has certain requirements that prevent certain people from giving blood.

You can donate blood if you meet the following criteria:

are between the ages of 17 and 65

weigh between 50 and 158 kilogrammes

have appropriate veins (which will be checked before you donate)

meet all donor eligibility requirements

are generally healthy and fit

Who is unable to donate blood?

Blood drawn from an unfit donor is not only harmful to the donor, but it may also harm the patient receiving the blood.

You are unable to donate blood if you:

have/had the majority of cancers

have some heart problems

have received blood, platelets, plasma, or any other type of donation