During the voluntary blood donation campaign held at the Europe House in Belgrade on 2 July, a total of 32 units of blood were collected through a joint initiative of the Blood Transfusion Institute of Serbia and the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia.
The campaign brought together citizens as well as representatives of the embassies of European Union Member States.
Of the 32 voluntary donors, 15 donated blood for the first time. The event formed part of the Blood Transfusion Institute of Serbia’s nationwide summer campaign, organised during the period of the year when demand for blood is at its highest while reserves are often at their lowest.
“This is the first time that this campaign has been organised at the European House, following their initiative. When we talk about the annual needs across the Republic of Serbia, around 240,000 units of blood need to be collected. That is, of course, a very challenging task. We all share responsibility not only for reaching that number, but, more importantly, for all the patients whose lives depend on blood transfusions,” said Mirjana Knežević from the Blood Transfusion Institute of Serbia.
The Institute emphasises that stable blood supplies are essential for patients in emergency situations, during childbirth, surgical procedures, cancer treatment, organ transplants, regular therapies, and many other serious medical conditions.
“Our key message is ‘United in Solidarity,’ and we believe the best way to demonstrate that solidarity is through action rather than words. Donating blood takes very little time, yet for someone else it can mean a lifetime,” said Mila Manojlović from the Europe House Belgrade.
Among the voluntary donors were members of the media, including regular blood donor Veran Matić, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps. The EU Ambassador to Serbia, Andreas von Beckerath, also took part in the campaign.
According to the Blood Transfusion Institute of Serbia, around 1,000 units of blood need to be collected every day across the country to maintain stable supplies. During the summer months, however, blood reserves are often sufficient for only a single day.
“Donating blood is not only a medical act—it is a powerful expression of solidarity, compassion, and shared responsibility. The idea that a single drop of blood reflects our common humanity symbolically illustrates how every donor becomes part of a chain that connects and protects us all,” the Blood Transfusion Institute of Serbia stated.
Any healthy person between the ages of 18 and 65 can become a voluntary blood donor after completing a medical examination at the donation site.
More information is available HERE.
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