World Blood Donor Day 2025 Health Minister highlights voluntary blood donation, enhanced services

In observance of World Blood Donor Day 2025, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony joined the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) in celebrating the life-saving contributions of voluntary blood donors and outlining transformative advancements in Guyana’s blood transfusion infrastructure.
The annual ceremony, held in collaboration with Massy Distribution, recognised the invaluable role of voluntary, unpaid blood donors in strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.

On its social media page, the ministry noted that Minister Anthony commended the donors for their selfless contribution to saving lives.
“Blood cannot be manufactured. Our health system relies on the generosity of voluntary donors. Today, we honour your selfless contribution and the lives you help save.” He said to the attendees.
Dr Anthony highlighted significant improvements to the blood transfusion system, including the introduction of automated processing technologies to increase efficiency and the enhanced capability to produce and manage various blood components tailored to diverse medical needs.
As part of efforts to expand access and improve services, the ministry has increased the number of blood collection sites to seven, with five additional sites scheduled to open by the end of August.
These upgrades are crucial to meeting the growing demand for safe blood, with 11,225 units collected in 2024.
Despite last year’s $450 million budgetary allocation to the NBTS, Dr Anthony emphasised that the value of the NBTS is measured in lives saved.
He further underscored the ministry’s commitment to rigorous screening protocols, ensuring all donated blood meets the highest safety standards. Proper handling and disposal of contaminated blood remain key components of this safety framework.
In a move to improve access to care in remote communities, the ministry is actively testing drone delivery systems capable of transporting blood supplies to areas up to 200 kilometres away, a significant step forward in emergency response capabilities.
As Guyana’s healthcare infrastructure evolves, new operating theatres in district hospitals and modern blood banking facilities are being integrated into ongoing hospital construction projects, ensuring preparedness for increased demand in surgical and emergency services.
Joining the observance, Dr Kim Eva Dickson, PAHO/WHO Representative to Guyana, reaffirmed the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation’s support for voluntary blood donation. She noted alignment with the 2025 global theme: “Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives.”
PAHO’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the NBTS has resulted in key advancements, including the implementation of a five-year strategic plan and over 60 new standard operating procedures, informed by a recent international expert review.
The ceremony concluded with a strong call to action for all citizens to become regular voluntary donors. Community engagement and donor appreciation will remain central to building a sustainable and resilient blood donation system.
“We salute the dedication of our healthcare professionals and volunteers and invite every Guyanese to join this life-saving movement,” Minister Anthony stated.