World Blood Donor Day is commemorated across the world on June 14th of every year. It was established in the year 2004. World Blood Donor Day is one of eight official global public health campaigns formulated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The event promotes awareness among the public regarding the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary unpaid blood donors for their efforts.
World Blood Donor Day falls on the birthday of Karl Landsteiner (June 14, 1868). He created the ABO blood group system, which is still used today to ensure the safety of blood transfusions.

According to WHO statistics, about 800 women die every day from pregnancy or childbirth related complications. Severe bleeding associated with labor and during the post-partum period is considered as leading cause for maternal mortality and morbidity. Lack of availability of blood and blood products at the time of delivery places the women at a higher risk. Amongst, more deaths occur in developing countries. The focus of 2014's World Blood Donor Day campaign is "Safe blood for saving mothers". The campaign aims to create awareness among the concerned regarding the need for availability of blood and an easy access for every countries.

The global host for the 2014 global World Blood Donor Day event is Sri Lanka.

Safe blood for saving mothers :

The World Blood Donor Day 2014 will be observed on June 14th with the slogan "Give Blood for those who give life. Safe Blood for Saving Mothers". The campaign calls the countries to take action for ensuring timely access to blood and blood products as part of a comprehensive approach to prevent maternal deaths.

The availability and access to safe blood and components from voluntary unpaid donors will help to save the lives of women.

The theme have its significance since blood transfusion has been identified as one of the eight essential life-saving interventions in health centers that offer emergency obstetric care during pregnancy,  labor and the postpartum period.

The objectives of this year’s global campaign

1) The Health ministries of the countries with high rates of maternal mortality, should take concrete steps to ensure the supply of safe blood and blood products from voluntary donors in every health facility for the women.

2) The focus of campaigns and activities by National blood services in countries with higher rates of maternal mortality should be on 'safe blood for saving mothers'.

3) Maternal health alliances and programs engage in 2014's campaign.

4) WHO and partners throughout the world should emphasize the role of safe blood from voluntary donors in saving women's life.