Voluntary Blood Donations Rise in Latin America, Mexico Lags

Voluntary blood donations increased across Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023, according to new data from PAHO, but efforts still fall short of the goal to rely entirely on non-remunerated voluntary donors. In Mexico, just 5% of blood donations meet that standard.

A preliminary PAHO report, Access to Blood for Transfusion in Latin American and Caribbean Countries 2023, shows that 23 countries collected more than 9.2 million units of blood last year, a 15.5% increase over 2020. Growth was driven by post-pandemic recovery and new outreach strategies, yet 43.2% of donations still came from patients’ relatives or friends, not regular voluntary donors.

“Equitable access to safe blood is a right of all people and can only be guaranteed through organized, efficient systems based on voluntary, regular, and unpaid donations,” said Jarbas Barbosa, Director, PAHO, ahead of World Blood Donor Day.

Mexico’s national health authorities marked the occasion by urging the public to increase voluntary and altruistic donations. The country remains below the regional average, with most blood still provided through replacement donations. Francisco Álvarez Mora, Chief of the Blood Bank, Hospital Juárez de México, reported that 90% to 95% of donations in the country are made by replacement donors, relatives or acquaintances responding to specific medical requests.

“This figure reflects the need to strengthen the culture of blood donation in our country,” said Álvarez. He noted that each unit of blood can be separated into multiple components, red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and clotting factors, allowing one donation to potentially help up to four patients. These components are essential in treating hemorrhages, anemia, clotting disorders, and are especially critical for cancer or hematology patients.

While the regional average stands at 16 donations per 1,000 inhabitants, 13 countries remain below that threshold. Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina accounted for 75% of all units collected across the region. PAHO data shows that the share of blood from voluntary donors reached 56.8% in 2023, a 6.7-point increase over 2019 levels. This rebound was supported by digital campaigns, mobile units, and institutional partnerships. None of the reporting countries permitted remunerated donations, reflecting a shared commitment to altruistic systems.

However, the organization warns that operational issues persist. Blood infrastructure across the region remains fragmented, with over 1,900 collection sites and 1,400 processing centers functioning with limited coordination. Only four countries processed more than 10,000 units annually. Paraguay led with 20,706 units.

PAHO emphasized that a sustainable supply of safe blood relies on regular, voluntary donors, who provide more stable support than replacement donations. “We need an increase in blood from regular voluntary donors,” said Mauricio Beltrán, Regional Blood Services, PAHO. “They help prevent shortages and offer more consistent access than sporadic donations from family members, which respond to immediate needs.”

SSa reiterated that all donations undergo pre-screening, including vital signs checks, blood counts, and tests for HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, and blood type. Donors must be between 18 and 65 years old, weigh more than 50 kilograms, and meet additional health criteria. Guidelines exclude individuals who are pregnant, have recent tattoos or piercings, or have received blood transfusions in the past year.

PAHO is calling on governments to invest in national blood systems, enhance oversight, and promote voluntary donation practices. Transfusions remain essential for maternal health, pediatric anemia, emergency responses, and complex surgical procedures.