World Blood Donor Day, celebrated every year on 14 June, will this year focus on the role of safe blood transfusions in preventing maternal deaths.

On 14 June, the World Health Organization (WHO) will launch 'Safe Blood for Safe Motherhood', a new initiative to improve the availability and use of blood in obstetric care. WHO will also release new data from a recent survey on the status of blood safety in the world.

More than half a million women die every year due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Severe bleeding during delivery is the most common cause of maternal mortality in developing countries, representing up to 50% of maternal deaths in some countries in Africa and Asia. One of the main reasons why so many women die is that there is a shortage of safe blood.

Most countries will mark the day with local events and activities. This year's hosts of the global event are Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec, in conjunction with the Government of Canada through Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Festivities will take place in Ottawa, in the presence of the Canadian Minister of Health and guests from WHO and other international partners.

World Blood Donor Day is a celebration of voluntary, unpaid blood donors who give of themselves to improve and save lives. It is jointly coordinated by the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Society of Blood Transfusion and the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations. Working with numerous constituencies, these partners have joined forces with countries to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and the importance of regular voluntary blood donation. WHO, 31/05/07.