Aging Population: A Warning Bell for the Future of Blood Transfusion

Sari – The head of the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization said that Iranian society is moving toward an aging population, and this trend could increase the need for blood and blood products in the coming years.

According to the Mehr reporter, Ahmed Qarabaghian pointed out the importance of a stable supply of blood and blood products at the dedication and introduction ceremony of the Director General of Blood Transfusion in Mazandaran on Tuesday afternoon: donating blood is a valuable and vital action. Because donated blood can be used to treat several patients in different conditions and needs, and therefore, the continuous participation of people in this matter is very important.

Stating that the traditional methods of attracting donors are no longer sufficient to meet today's needs, he added: sending text messages alone cannot establish effective communication with all groups of society and it is necessary to pay attention to new methods of communication, especially social networks, to increase people's participation and encourage young people to donate blood.

The CEO of the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization emphasized the importance of the presence of young people and women in the blood donation cycle and stated: the aging of donors is one of the issues that must be planned for. As the country's population moves toward old age, on the one hand, the need for blood and blood products increases, and on the other hand, it is necessary for new generations to enter the field to continue this vital service.

Qarabaghian continued: the increase in the age of the population is associated with an increase in the probability of needing surgeries and receiving blood products; Therefore, the blood transfusion organization should plan now to respond to future needs and provide the context for wider participation of different groups of people.

The necessity of using new methods to attract donors

Pointing to the difference in the attitude and communication style of the young generation with the previous generations, he pointed out: To increase the participation of the youth, we must choose the language of communication appropriate to this generation. Social networks have a good capacity to raise awareness, create culture and encourage people to donate blood, and we should use these tools more effectively.

CEO of Iran Blood Transfusion Organization added: We cannot rely on past methods to expect future needs to be met in the same way. It is necessary to change the methods of attracting donors according to social developments and to design programs that can increase the sustainable participation of young people and women.

Pointing to the importance of women's participation in blood donation, he said: "The presence of women in this field is very important and the grounds for increasing their participation should be provided." Using successful experiences and examining existing barriers can help design more effective programs to attract donors.

Mazandaran's experience in attracting the participation of travelers to donate blood

Referring to the demographic conditions of Mazandaran province, Qarabaghian said: This province has a population of about three million people and due to its touristic nature, it faces a significant increase in the floating population at different times of the year. These conditions double the necessity of careful planning for the supply of blood and blood products.

He added: In periods when the number of people in the province increases due to the country's special conditions, including war and population displacement, the needs of the health sector can also change. In such a situation, there must be the necessary preparation to respond to the needs of patients and supply the blood needed by medical centers.

The CEO of Iran Blood Transfusion Organization, referring to the implementation of blood donation campaigns in Mazandaran, said: During the increase in travel, travelers were requested to include blood donation in their plans if possible. These actions were welcomed by the people and the experience gained showed that with proper information and public participation, new blood supply capacities can be created.

He continued: The experience of such campaigns shows that to provide the blood needed by patients, one should not only rely on regular donors; Rather, it is necessary to introduce different groups of people to the importance of donating blood and provide them with the opportunity for voluntary participation.

Emphasizing the need to pay attention to the country's demographic changes, Qarabaghian said: Iran's society is moving towards old age, and this trend can increase the need for blood and blood products in the coming years.

He added: As the age of people increases, the probability of needing some surgeries and medical services increases, and as a result, the necessity of supplying blood and blood products also increases. Therefore, we need to plan now to preserve blood reserves and attract new generations of donors.

CEO of Iran Blood Transfusion Organization noted: If we don't plan for youth participation today, we will face more challenges in the field of blood supply in the future. Continuity of blood donation requires social participation and this participation should be strengthened in all generations.

He emphasized: public awareness, effective communication with the youth, using the capacity of social networks and strengthening the blood donation culture are among the measures that can help the stability of the country's blood reserves.

Pursuing welfare demands of blood transfusion workers

In another part of his speech, referring to the position of the employees of the Blood Transfusion Organization, Qarabaghian said: Human power is the most important capital of the organization, and the improvement of the working conditions and welfare of the employees should be taken into consideration.

Appreciating the efforts of the blood transfusion staff, he added: "Activity in this complex is a sensitive and difficult responsibility, and it is not possible to provide optimal services to patients and donors without the efforts and support of the staff." Therefore, handling their demands and providing suitable working conditions is of particular importance.

The CEO of Iran Blood Transfusion Organization, referring to the need to provide financial resources to improve the welfare facilities of the employees, said: the necessary follow-ups are being done to improve the welfare of the employees, and we hope that with the cooperation of the provincial officials and the support of the governorate, we will be able to gradually provide better conditions for the employees.

Referring to the importance of honoring blood donors, he also stated: People who come to donate blood with a humanitarian motive deserve proper treatment and services. Donating blood is a valuable act and conditions should be provided for the clients to receive services in a suitable environment and in the dignity of this humanitarian action.

Qarabaghian continued: Providing suitable facilities for receiving donors and improving the quality of services provided to them is part of the organization's responsibility towards these people, and to achieve this goal, the necessary resources and facilities must be provided.

Referring to the role of cooperation between managers and provincial officials in advancing blood transfusion programs, he clarified: improving the welfare of employees, improving facilities and increasing the quality of services to donors requires the cooperation and support of related groups.

The CEO of Iran Blood Transfusion Organization while appreciating the employees and officials present at this ceremony said: Despite the efforts made, we may not have been able to provide all that is worthy of the employees and donors, but the follow-up of the issues at the headquarters level continues and we hope that with the support of the officials and the cooperation of the provincial collections, favorable results will be achieved gradually.