Morocco recorded 382,234 blood donations in 2023, an increase of 11% over the previous year, exceeding the annual target of 4%, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection announced on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day.
During the 2024 Ramadan period, there was a 14% increase in blood donations compared to the same period last year, the ministry pointed out in a press release, adding however that the Kingdom currently requires a daily blood supply of at least 1,000 units to meet its needs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a national blood donation rate greater than 1% of the population to ensure self-sufficiency in blood products. Although in 2023, Morocco met the recommended rate, according to the Ministry, “the goal is to maintain and ideally increase to a rate of 3%.”
“It is crucial to maintain the promotion of blood donation as a shared responsibility involving civil society, governmental and non-governmental organizations, partners, and blood transfusion centers,” the Ministry asserted.
The National Center for Blood Transfusion is “dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality in its blood products.” To this end, it has obtained an ISO 2015-9001 certification for several regional centers, including those in Fez, Tetouan, Casablanca, Oujda, Marrakesh, and Rabat. The center in Rabat received its certification for the second time.
“Morocco’s advancements in blood transfusion have made it a prime destination for some African countries seeking technical and scientific support in this field,” the Ministry asserted in its statement.
The country joins the global celebration of World Blood Donor Day, observed annually on June 14. This year, the WHO has chosen the theme “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!” to acknowledge and thank blood donors worldwide.