Millions of people across the world require immediate blood transfusions as they seek medical attention in healthcare facilities. Data from the World Health Organization shows that people experiencing traumatic injury, obstetric bleeding and pediatric anemia each year need access to blood transfusions. As the international community marks World Blood Donor today, Friday, the WHO African region says member states must address the persistent challenges in the availability of safe blood and blood products. Maureen Ojiambo reports.