Nicosia, Cyprus. Blood donation remains a critical need in Cyprus, where hospitals rely on a steady supply for emergencies and ongoing treatments. Seasonal drops in turnout can affect hospitals’ ability to maintain reserves for urgent cases.
Ongoing demand across the health system
Hospitals across Cyprus use donated blood for emergency trauma cases, surgeries, cancer treatments and chronic blood disorders. Donation levels fluctuate throughout the year, often declining during holidays and exam periods, even as demand remains constant.
Small changes in turnout can have wider effects across the health system. When donations fall, hospitals have fewer options to redistribute supply, making it harder to maintain buffers needed for emergencies. Maintaining a safe and reliable supply depends on regular voluntary donors as well as coordination between health organisations and the public.
Regular donors and personal motivation
Community groups help raise awareness and organise donation drives, while regular donors provide the consistent contributions needed to keep supplies stable. Many donate due to personal experiences or a sense of responsibility.
One regular donor, Nicos Kyriakou, first donated blood as a student during a school campaign. He said a video explaining how blood is used in transfusions, featuring recipients, influenced his decision to continue donating.
Kyriakou now donates every three months. He said the process has become routine and that donors receive a message confirming when their blood has been used, which he described as making the experience more meaningful.
He advised those unsure about donating not to hesitate, saying the process is quick and that a small time commitment can significantly improve someone’s life.
Cyprus Red Cross support for blood drive initiatives
Sustaining a national blood supply also requires ongoing organisational support. The Cyprus Red Cross does not directly conduct blood donations but promotes, supports and facilitates initiatives in cooperation with national services. Its volunteers and outreach programmes aim to keep donors engaged and encourage new participants, with drives taking place in high schools and universities.
In Limassol, the Cyprus Red Cross participates in 50 to 60 blood drives each year, collecting around 1,500 bags of blood. Much of the work focuses on educational centres where students are introduced to the donation process. The organisation provides refreshments and small tokens of appreciation to first-time donors and offers practical support during each drive.
Would you consider donating blood regularly to help maintain Cyprus’s hospital supply?
