If you were to micro analyse the lack of adequate healthcare around the world you would soon realise that it is a lack of appropriate infrastructure that is to blame. Let’s take the example of blood: In June of 2023 the World Health Organisation (WHO) released an article highlighting the global shortage in blood, and particularly the dichotomy between high and low income countries in relation to the accessibility, collection and use of blood globally. There are over 1,000 blood related disorders that exist, thus it is without question that the requirement for healthy blood across the world is paramount.
The global inequality in blood distribution and accessibility
The inequality between high and low-income countries is both significant and alarming. According to the WHO, while high-income countries account for just 16% of the global population, they collect over 40% of the world’s blood donations. Meanwhile, low-income countries are left with limited access to safe blood, often due to underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure, a lack of resources, and logistical challenges. In many of these regions, patients suffering from conditions such as anaemia, blood loss due to trauma, or complications during childbirth may not receive the blood they need in time, if at all. The issue is not merely one of supply, but of systemic inequality in how healthcare services are delivered, structured, and prioritised.
What makes this issue even more pressing is the fact that many of the most vulnerable populations are in the greatest need of regular blood transfusions. For instance, in sub-Saharan Africa, sickle cell disease is much more prevalent, and patients often require frequent transfusions to manage the condition. However, in the very places where this need is highest, blood is in shortest supply. The lack of voluntary blood donors, combined with limited awareness and cultural stigmas, further restricts the capacity of health systems to respond to these medical emergencies. In contrast, high-income countries benefit from organised blood donation systems, widespread education on the importance of donating, and consistent government support to maintain and expand blood banks.
Efforts that can be made to help
To tackle this disparity, long-term and multi-dimensional solutions are required:
- First and foremost, countries must invest in the development of healthcare infrastructure, including the establishment of reliable blood banks, proper storage facilities, and efficient systems for the transportation and screening of blood.
- Governments and global health organisations must also work together to implement national blood policies that prioritise accessibility and safety.
- In addition, public awareness campaigns are vital. They serve not only to normalise blood donation but also to educate populations about who benefits from donated blood, the safety of the process, and the collective responsibility involved in contributing to public health.
- Partnerships between nations and international organisations can also be instrumental. For example, collaborations between health ministries and NGOs can help build sustainable donation networks, while technology transfer can allow developing nations to adopt more advanced screening and storage solutions. Moreover, promoting cooperation where developing countries share experiences and strategies with each other can create more context-specific and culturally sensitive solutions that are more likely to succeed.
Who is Hussain in helping to decrease the global blood deficit
The aforementioned strategies and approaches are what we try to base our blood campaigns around. In August 2022, we organised what became the world’s largest blood drive, collecting over 37,000 units of blood in a single day across six continents. This monumental effort not only highlighted the urgent global need for blood but also demonstrated the power of community mobilisation in overcoming systemic barriers. The initiative showed that with the right motivation, resources, and organisation, it is possible to make a global impact even without the involvement of governments or large institutions. Rooted in the legacy of Hussain ibn Ali, a figure revered for his commitment to justice and humanity, we channel his values to promote service, compassion, and sacrifice.
However, it is not about one day, rather about longevity and sustainability. Beyond our record-breaking campaign, Who is Hussain continues to organise regular blood drives, collaborate with local hospitals and health services, and advocate for increased awareness about the blood shortage crisis. These efforts have not only saved lives but have also inspired a new generation of volunteers and donors around the world to take action.
In summary, the global blood shortage reflects a broader issue of unequal access to healthcare infrastructure and essential medical services. While the challenge is daunting, it is not insurmountable. Sustainable change requires both top-down and bottom-up efforts. Governments must invest in public health systems, while individuals and communities must be empowered to participate in solutions. Initiatives like Who is Hussain show us what is possible when compassion meets action. If similar efforts are supported and scaled, we can move closer to a future where access to safe, life-saving blood, which is not determined by geography or income, but recognised as a basic human right.
