Parliament, Sunday, 14 June 2026 - The Portfolio Committee on Health joins the global community in commemorating World Blood Donor Day which is observed annually on 14 June to honour voluntary, unpaid blood donors whose selfless contributions save lives every day.
World Blood Donor Day serves as an important platform to raise awareness about the ongoing need for safe sufficient and timely access to blood and blood products.
Committee chairperson, Ms Faith Muthambi said: “A well-functioning blood service remains the cornerstone of an effective and responsive health system, particularly in supporting patients during medical emergencies, childbirth, surgical procedures, cancer treatment and the long‑term management of serious health conditions.”
The committee notes that this year’s global campaign theme, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.”, places humanity, solidarity and compassion at the centre of blood donation. “This year’s theme highlights the profound impact that a single act of voluntary donation can have in preserving lives,” said Ms Muthambi.
While significant advances have been made in improving blood safety through science, testing and regulatory systems, the availability of safe blood continues to depend on the willingness of individuals to donate regularly. Many countries, including those in low‑ and middle‑income settings, continue to experience shortages and unequal access to blood and blood products.
The committee supports the objectives of the 2026 World Blood Donor Day campaign, which seek to:
• promote sustained growth in regular, voluntary, unpaid blood donation;
• raise public awareness about the life‑saving impact of blood and plasma donation;
• recognise and appreciate the vital contribution of blood donors; and
• encourage governments and stakeholders to strengthen and invest in national blood programmes to achieve universal access to safe blood transfusion.
Ms Muthambi said, she calls on all eligible South Africans to consider becoming regular blood donors and encourages continued investment in strengthening national blood services to ensure that safe blood is available for all who need it, when it is needed.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MS FAITH MUTHAMBI.
For media enquiries or to arrange interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Ms Yoliswa Landu
Cell: 081 497 4694
Email: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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