Shanghai's iconic landmarks commemorate World Blood Donor Day

Shanghai's iconic landmarks, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Shanghai Tower, the city's tallest skyscraper, were illuminated in red to honor selfless blood donors on Saturday, the 22nd World Blood Donor Day.

As part of the diverse activities held in Shanghai that day, the aim was to raise public awareness of health and promote the concept of public welfare.

At the square where the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is located in the Lujiazui financial area, experts conducted voluntary medical consultations and educational campaigns about blood donation. A team of professionals from the blood transfusion branches from the city's various medical associations provided health consultations to residents and tourists, strengthening the public's knowledge of blood health through professional guidance.

Adjacent to the Oriental Pearl Tower, a blood donation center attracted the attention of passersby with a variety of volunteer-led campaigns to promote blood donation to the public. Among the volunteers was a humanoid robot holding a sign that read, "donate blood, save lives" and cheerfully greeting passersby and encouraging blood donation actions.

With advancements in medical care, the increase in hospital beds, and the rise of high-tech surgeries, the demand for blood in clinical settings continue to rise. The Shanghai Blood Center said that the city currently requires 1,800 units of donated blood on a daily basis to meet clinical demands.

According to statistics by the center, last year, the city's inventory of whole blood and red blood cell products exceeded 447,000 units, with platelet donations surpassing 100,000 units for the first time. The center said that blood supply in Shanghai has been able to meet clinical demands, offering life-saving support to patients in the city, thanks to the selfless contributions of voluntary blood donors.