From May 5 to June 14, Tajikistan is hosting a nationwide voluntary blood donation marathon in honor of World Blood Donor Day, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of donation and encouraging public participation.

According to the Republican Scientific Blood Center, any citizen of Tajikistan aged between 18 and 60 who leads a healthy lifestyle can become a donor.  Potential donors must complete a health questionnaire and undergo a free medical examination to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.

Participants can visit any local branch of the Republican Blood Center or nearby polyclinic to donate blood.  On average, around 300 people have taken part in the marathon daily.

Before donating, donors are advised to eat a light breakfast and avoid fatty or heavy foods.  A valid passport is required at the time of donation.

“All donors undergo a medical check-up to determine their blood group and hemoglobin levels,” a spokesperson from the center said.  “Those found to have infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis B is not allowed to donate.”

The entire process—from registration and initial blood tests to the actual donation—takes between 30 minutes and one hour. First-time donors usually give 350 ml of blood, while repeat and regular donors may donate up to 450 ml, depending on their health status and physician approval.

Blood center branches are operating in cities and districts across the country.  Organizers emphasize that every blood donation is a potential life-saving act and a display of civic responsibility.

World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14, the birthday of Austrian immunologist Karl Landsteiner (1868–1943), who discovered blood groups and developed the classification system.  He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930 for his groundbreaking work.