Countries organize blood donation differently — some rely predominantly on voluntary non-remunerated donors, others on family/replacement donations, and some use a mix. International guidance (e.g., WHO) encourages voluntary systems as they are generally associated with safer, more sustainable supplies.
Volunteer vs replacement models
Volunteer systems recruit donors from the community and encourage repeat donations. Replacement models ask family or friends to donate to replace blood used by a patient. Replacement can be effective locally but may not provide consistent inventories needed for broad healthcare delivery.
Regional challenges
Low- and middle-income countries often face infrastructure challenges: limited collection sites, cold-chain logistics, and shortages of trained staff. High-income countries may have stable programs but still experience shortages in certain components or seasonal dips.
Global trends
Many countries are investing in donor retention, better inventory management, and public awareness campaigns. International collaboration, blood safety standards, and improved testing technologies help reduce transfusion risks globally.
For country-level data, refer to national blood service reports and WHO publications which publish regional statistics and guidance.