Germany urges young people to step up blood donations as donor numbers fall

The German Red Cross reports that about 15,000 blood donations are needed each weekday, with 19% used for cancer patients. In 2025, 3.18 million Germans donated blood, a slight rise from the previous year but still far below the roughly five million donors in 2011. The average donor age is now over 46, and the number of first‑time donors has dropped, prompting concerns of future shortages as the population ages.

World Blood Donation Day on 14 June is being used to launch a targeted appeal to individuals aged 18 and older, especially younger adults, to make their first donation a regular habit. The German and Bavarian Red Cross highlight that in Bavaria alone roughly 2,000 donations are required daily to meet local needs. Public figures such as footballer Loris Karius and TV presenter Thore Schölermann have joined the campaign, stressing that a single donation can save up to three lives and takes only about an hour of time.

Officials note that while there is no artificial blood substitute available yet, ongoing research aims to reduce dependence on donated blood through improved surgical techniques and medication. The call stresses the urgent need to reverse the declining donor trend to ensure sufficient supplies for patients across Germany.