[CLSTR]
API
< Back to situations

This situation has concluded

It was preserved as a record on November 6; the timeline below shows how it unfolded, with sources. Get the briefing to follow the top situations still developing: three emails a week, sourced and in order.

[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [HEALTH]

74 clusters · 300 sources · 173 days · First seen · Last updated

Italy blood shortages persist amid regional donation shifts

Overview

By mid-September 2026, Italy’s healthcare system continued to manage blood and plasma shortages following a summer decline. While the National Blood Center reported that national collections fell by 0.5% in June and 1.1% in July compared to the previous year, some regional successes have emerged.

In Sicily, the shortage remains a critical concern. The Policlinico Rodolico Transfusion Service in Catania issued urgent appeals for blood donations, noting that the scarcity impacts essential treatments for oncology, thalassemia, and surgical patients, with a high demand for O Rh positive blood. To bolster supply, the Asp in Siracusa is expanding plasma collection capabilities by deploying new automated plasmaferesis equipment across ten locations. This technological upgrade aims to increase efficiency and support the production of medicines like albumin and immunoglobulins, following the agency’s achievement of the national target of 18 kilograms of plasma per 1,000 inhabitants. Contrasting the national trend, the province of Ragusa in Sicily recorded record-high donation numbers.

Community-led initiatives have continued to address regional supply needs. On September 25, AVIS Bitonto hosted ‘AperiAvis’ to engage new citizens through music and dialogue, while the ‘Insieme per il Sociale’ mobile collection day took place in the Lamezia Terme industrial area following an appeal from the Regional Blood Center director.

By early October, concerns regarding the plasma-derived medicine sector emerged. Francesco Carugi, president of Farmindustria's Emoderivati Group, noted that while approximately 80% of plasma collected through the national self-sufficiency system is used for fractionation to produce essential biological drugs, current domestic collection levels remain insufficient to meet total national demand. To ensure continuity of care for patients with rare diseases, companies must supplement domestic supplies by sourcing plasma from the United States and other European countries.

Entities

AVIS · Italy · Fidas · Centro Nazionale Sangue · Avis (Italian Red Cross)

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 11 sources
    Italy's plasma-derived drug sector remains strategically vital

    Francesco Carugi of Farmindustria emphasizes the importance of plasma-derived drugs in Italy, noting that while the national collection system is advanced, imports are still needed to meet total demand.

  2. [HEALTH] 10 sources
    Blood donation initiatives scheduled across Italy for September 25

    Various blood donation events are organized for September 25, 2026, in Bitonto and Lamezia Terme to replenish regional supplies and promote community solidarity.

  3. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italian community initiatives promote blood and plasma donation

    Italian organizations and sports teams, including Como Women and Fidas, are launching initiatives to promote blood and plasma donation through community events and awareness campaigns.

  4. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Italy faces blood and plasma shortages amid urgent donation appeals

    Italy is facing blood and plasma shortages, leading to urgent donation appeals in Tuscany and a scheduled blood donation open day at Naples' Monaldi Hospital on September 19.

  5. [HEALTH] 6 sources
    Sicily health services address blood and plasma supply needs

    Sicilian health services are responding to blood shortages in Catania with donation appeals, while Siracusa implements new technology to boost plasma collection and medical self-sufficiency.

  6. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Italy issues urgent blood donation appeals in Lazio and Sicily

    Italian health authorities are calling for urgent blood donations in Lazio and Sicily to replenish reserves depleted during the summer, with a specific need for O positive blood groups.

  7. [HEALTH] 14 sources
    Italy faces widespread blood shortage, particularly for O positive group

    Italy is experiencing a widespread blood shortage, especially for the O positive group. Critical shortages in Lazio, Campania, and Sicily have led to the suspension of scheduled surgeries in some hospitals.

  8. [HEALTH] 27 sources
    Italy faces critical blood shortage as hospitals suspend non-urgent surgeries

    Italy is facing a critical blood shortage, particularly for the O positive group. Hospitals in Salerno have suspended non-urgent surgeries, and authorities are issuing urgent appeals for donors nationwide.

  9. [HEALTH] 8 sources
    Healthcare updates in Italy: New transfusion schedules and medical retirement

    New blood donation schedules begin at Ariano Irpino hospital on September 1, while Dr. Lia Pierami retires from public health service in Tuscany.

  10. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Blood services expand in Capannori and emergency drives launch in Italy

    New blood collection services are launching in Capannori, while emergency donation drives are being organized across Potenza, Battipaglia, and Agropoli to address summer blood shortages.

  11. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Italian hospitals implement new plasma donation methods and issue blood shortage appeals

    Italian hospitals are implementing new plasma apheresis donation methods in Tivoli and issuing urgent calls for blood donors in Salerno to combat regional shortages.

  12. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Sardinia faces blood shortage as summer demand rises

    Sardinia is facing a blood shortage due to increased summer demand from tourism, accidents, and surgeries, prompting an urgent appeal for donations from Avis Regionale Sardegna.

  13. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Marche region faces critical blood shortage

    A critical blood shortage has been reported in Italy's Marche region, prompting Avis to appeal for urgent donations amid summer heat and holiday declines.

  14. [HEALTH] 8 sources
    Italy faces blood donation shortages during summer months

    Italian healthcare providers and volunteer organizations are launching emergency blood drives and awareness campaigns to combat seasonal donation shortages affecting oncology and pediatric patients.

  15. [HEALTH] 12 sources
    Blood donation initiatives and medical research developments in Italy

    Italy faces summer blood shortages, notably at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, while Sicily launches a regional study using umbilical cord blood to treat premature infants.

  16. [HEALTH] 7 sources
    Avis blood donation drives in Italy honor cyclists and urge summer giving

    Avis chapters in Andria and Tuscany organized blood‑donation events, one commemorating three cyclists and the other urging summer donations amid declining supplies.

  17. [HEALTH] 7 sources
    Italy sees donation milestones in Caltagirone hospice and Borghetto blood drive

    Italian donation initiatives hit milestones: Caltagirone hospice surpasses 200 cornea donations, while Borghetto’s AVIS Loano blood drive sees strong participation, boosted by celebrity Nikita Perrotti.

  18. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Blood donation initiatives launch in Alessandria and Agrigento, Italy

    In Italy, a Lions Club in Alessandria donated a chair for AVIS blood donors, while police‑led DonatoriNati will hold a blood‑collection drive in Agrigento on July 29.

  19. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Italy's Avis launches national blood‑donation campaign in Rome

    Avis Italy launched a youth‑focused, free blood‑donation campaign in Rome on 22 July, while the Red Cross held a booked donation drive in Cecchina on 26 July, both aiming to boost voluntary donations.

  20. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italian hospitals receive art and furniture donations to humanise patient care

    Italian hospitals in Teramo and Grosseto received donated paintings and new chairs to improve patient comfort and humanise care environments.

  21. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italy organ donation drive expands with municipal registration and human‑chain awareness events

    Italy’s organ donation push grew as Brembio began recording donor wishes on ID renewals and a massive human chain at Aquafan Riccione raised public awareness, stressing thousands awaiting transplants.

  22. [HEALTH] 67 sources
    Italian hospitals face acute blood shortages, prompting nationwide donation drives

    Hospitals in Italy, including Cardarelli in Naples, face severe blood shortages, prompting regional donation campaigns and national appeals to avoid postponing surgeries and emergency care.

  23. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Italy expands public defibrillator deployment across venues

    Italian cities and regions are expanding public defibrillator coverage: Rome mandates devices in large restaurants, Piedmont adds units to mountain sites, Maratea receives a new civil‑protection unit, and Carpi

  24. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Aquafan in Riccione Hosts Human Chain to Promote Organ Donation

    Aquafan in Riccione staged a human chain, “La Catena della Vita,” with hundreds of people to promote organ donation, led by transplant survivor Lia Blatti and organized by Costa Edutainment with AIDO.

  25. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Italy launches summer blood donation campaign to counter seasonal shortage

    Italian groups in Casarano and Lombardy urge summer blood and plasma donations, citing seasonal shortages, ongoing hospital demand, and modest collection gains that still lag behind needed self‑sufficiency.

  26. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Organ donation efforts highlighted in Caserta hospital and Molise police academy, Italy

    Italian hospitals and a police academy promoted organ donation: parents donated a teen’s organs in Caserta, while AIDO Molise educated cadets in Campobasso about donation procedures.

  27. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italian AVIS blood donation initiatives expand in Crotone and Molise

    AVIS held a blood‑donation event with Carabinieri in Crotone on July 16, while AVIS Molise launched a youth donor recruitment drive for ages 18‑29, open until Aug 24.

  28. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Comitato per la Vita gives €100,000 for Oncology Day Hospital upgrade in Grosseto

    Comitato per la Vita donated €100k to revamp the Oncology Day Hospital at Misericordia Hospital in Grosseto, adding a nurse clinic, larger therapy rooms and upgraded patient areas.

  29. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Italian Radiology and Oncology Societies Release Joint CT Imaging Guidelines

    Italian radiology and oncology societies have issued joint CT imaging guidelines to standardise requests and reports, improve communication, and boost cancer care quality across Italy.

  30. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Lazio launches 'Solo un sì' campaign to boost organ donation consent

    Lazio's 'Solo un sì' campaign encourages ID‑card holders to consent to organ donation, aiming to raise donors and transplants; early 2026 data show significant increases in potential donors, actual donors and g

  31. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Portable ultrasound donated to Santa Maria Nuova Hospital's Vein Surgery unit

    Sa. Re. Association donated a new portable Esaote ultrasound to Santa Maria Nuova Hospital’s Vein Surgery department, aiming to improve diagnostics and patient care.

  32. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    AVIS expands blood donation in Italy with summer Tuscany campaign and new Vibo Valentia center

    AVIS launches a summer blood donation drive in Tuscany to offset heat‑related shortages and opens a new permanent collection centre in Vibo Valentia, operating weekly to increase donor numbers.

  33. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Piedmont region expands defibrillator network to municipalities and mountain sites

    Piedmont expands defibrillator coverage to municipalities, mountain unions and parks, launching a new application round and training to boost emergency response in remote areas.

  34. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italian volunteer and donor groups host summer events promoting organ and blood donation

    Italian donor groups AIDO and FIDAS Basilicata staged summer events—from concerts and sports to a donor awards ceremony—to boost organ and blood donation awareness.

  35. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Cento Hospital receives €29,000 proctology equipment donation

    Cento Hospital in Italy adds a €29,000 proctology station donated by Paola Corvini, while a €3 million regional plan for new operating rooms faces political criticism over timing and service cuts.

  36. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italian hospitals upgrade air‑conditioning at Teramo oncology unit and Suzzara Montecchi

    Hospitals in Teramo and Suzzara, Italy, received new or repaired air‑conditioning systems to improve conditions for patients and staff.

  37. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italian medical innovators launch compact neutron generator and hybrid surgery suite

    ENEA presented a compact neutron generator for intra‑operative radiotherapy at Osaka’s World Health Expo, while the Marche university hospital opened Italy’s first hybrid interventional surgery suite at Torette

  38. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Italian towns Noto and Maranello install new public defibrillators

    Noto’s Vespa Club donated a defibrillator to Piazza Lido, while Maranello installed its 36th public defibrillator at a pharmacy, enhancing community emergency care.

  39. [HEALTH] 8 sources
    Folgore Paratroopers Donate Blood and Plasma in Livorno

    Around 90 Folgore paratroopers donated blood and plasma at Livorno Hospital, helping to maintain supplies during the summer and earning praise from hospital officials.

  40. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    LILT donations and hospital school program aid pediatric oncology patients in Italy

    LILT’s Pigiama Run raised funds for pediatric oncology units in Parma and Modena, while a new hospital school programme in Rimini enabled young cancer patients to sit for national exams, achieving top grades.

  41. [HEALTH] 6 sources
    Senigallia Hospital Receives Donated Ultrasound for Intensive Care

    A new ultrasound donated by Fondazione Leopoldo Uccellini was installed in Senigallia's Principe di Piemonte Hospital ICU, enhancing diagnostic care after a charity gala fundraiser.

  42. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Defibrillator installations boost community safety in Pozza di Maranello and Calderà, Italy

    Two Italian towns enhanced emergency response as Pozza di Maranello installed its 36th public defibrillator and Calderà received a new semi‑automatic device donated by the Leo Club, boosting local safety.

  43. [HEALTH] 6 sources
    Police Cadets in Italy Hold Blood and Organ Donation Awareness Sessions

    Police trainees in Caserta and Carabinieri cadets in Campobasso attended seminars promoting blood and organ donation, stressing altruism and addressing summer supply challenges.

  44. [HEALTH] 6 sources
    Deloitte-backed San Bartolomeo project delivers specialist care to over 1,000 vulnerable patients in Italy

    Deloitte, a hospital and Sant’Egidio’s San Bartolomeo project has given specialist care to over 1,000 vulnerable patients in Italy, delivering 3,660 procedures and planning further expansion.

  45. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Italian municipalities and health groups launch campaigns to boost organ and blood donation

    Italian local authorities and health groups launch organ donation info sessions in Montelabbate and a women‑focused blood‑donation campaign in Florence, aiming to raise public awareness and participation.

  46. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italian leukemia charities boost fundraising and launch new patient support centre

    Italian charities in Palermo and Malnate organized fundraising events for leukaemia and paediatric lymphoma research, raising €740k and supporting a new patient centre.

  47. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Italian Chamber President Lorenzo Fontana lauds donation culture at AIDO assembly

    Lorenzo Fontana praised Italy’s donation culture at the AIDO assembly, citing rising organ transplants and successes in Veneto, Tuscany and Piedmont.

  48. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italian hospitals receive charitable donations for oncology care and advanced surgery

    Charitable groups donated a €115,900 laparoscopic system to Guastalla Hospital and €5,000 for staff training to Terni’s Onco‑hematology unit, boosting surgical technology and oncology education in Italy.

  49. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Philanthropists donate over €190k to upgrade equipment at hospitals in Ancona and Ravenna

    Philanthropists Arnaldo Staffolani and Paolo Strocchi donated €40,610 and €150,000 respectively to upgrade equipment at hospitals in Ancona and Ravenna, boosting diagnostic and surgical capabilities.

  50. [HEALTH] 5 sources
    Modena Hospital receives donated human‑milk pasteurizer

    Modena’s Neonatology unit received a €21,350 human‑milk pasteuriser donated by the Panini family and Associazione Pollicino in memory of Andrea Parenti, enhancing safety for preterm infants.

  51. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italian municipalities boost blood and organ donations with public events

    Mayors in Ceva and Livorno hosted a plasma‑collection marathon and a children’s football tournament in mid‑June 2026 to honour donors and encourage blood and organ donations across Italy.

  52. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Santa Maria Nuova ALS Clinic Gets New Mindray Ultrasound Thanks to AISLA and Singer Fabio Mora

    AISLA and singer Fabio Mora helped the Santa Maria Nuova ALS clinic acquire a €11,350 Mindray ultrasound, enhancing non‑invasive respiratory monitoring for patients.

  53. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Health Prevention Drives Expand Across Italy with Red Cross and Komen Italia

    Italy’s Red Cross/Rai Radio 1 hosted a free health‑screening day in Rome, while Komen Italia launched women’s oncology‑prevention tours in Emilia‑Romagna, both aiming to boost early detection.

  54. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Rome Red Cross and Rai Radio 1 launch free health‑screening day

    The Red Cross and Rai Radio 1 host a free health‑screening and wellness day in Rome on 12 June, offering talks, round‑tables and a range of medical checks and vaccinations.

  55. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Defibrillator donations by Confasi and Edison bolster community health in Italy

    Confasi and Edison donated defibrillators to a Palermo youth basketball team and a Brindisi health association, enhancing emergency response and first‑aid training in Italy.

  56. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italian communities promote blood and organ donation through local initiatives

    Italian local groups in Pordenone and another municipality launched events to boost blood‑plasma and organ donation, featuring a music park and a proposed annual organ‑donation day.

  57. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Charity football matches in Italy raise funds for children's hospitals

    Charity football matches on 13‑14 June in Teramo and Trieste aim to fund the Fondazione Bambino Gesù and Burlo Garofolo hospitals, supporting pediatric care and equipment.

  58. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italian health projects aid oncology patients and pediatric care with wigs and AI app

    Italy’s AVIS hair‑donation project creates wigs for cancer patients, while Naples’ Santobono-Pausilipon Hospital wins an award for its AI‑driven pediatric care app.

  59. [HEALTH] 5 sources
    Italian communities donate medical furniture and a “Bell of Hope” to pediatric oncology units

    Community groups in Palermo and Reggio Calabria donated bedside cabinets and a symbolic “Bell of Hope” to local pediatric oncology units, improving support for children with cancer.

  60. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Italian hospitals roll out free lung cancer screenings and quit‑smoking services for World No‑Tobacco Day

    Italian hospitals in Aprilia and Bergamo launched free lung‑cancer CT scans, spirometry and quit‑smoking services on World No‑Tobacco Day, targeting high‑risk smokers.

  61. [HEALTH] 6 sources
    Italian charities donate cardiac equipment to hospitals in Teramo and Sondrio

    Charities donate cardiac devices to hospitals in Teramo and Sondrio, boosting emergency care.

  62. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Ferrara and Florence launch HIV/STI screening campaigns in May 2026

    Ferrara and Florence host free HIV/STI testing drives in May; 148 people screened in Ferrara.

  63. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Catania Hospital Performs Multi‑Organ Donation of Liver, Kidneys and Corneas

    Catania’s Policlinico transplanted a donor’s liver, kidneys and corneas after family consent, aided by ISMETT Palermo.

  64. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Bari's San Paolo Oncology Unit Gets Queue‑Management System Donation

    A totem queue‑management system was donated to Bari's San Paolo oncology unit to cut patient wait times.

  65. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    UNICEF gifts traditional Pigotte dolls to Carpi hospital pediatric ward

    UNICEF gave traditional Pigotte dolls to children at Carpi's Ramazzini Hospital pediatric ward on Mother’s Day.

  66. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Oral Cancer Day drives free screenings in Rieti and Viterbo, Italy

    Oral Cancer Day offered free oral cancer screenings in Rieti and Viterbo, Italy, urging early detection and HPV vaccination.

  67. [HEALTH] 10 sources
    Italy expands colon cancer screening through new equipment and VR education

    Italy boosts colon cancer screening with new devices and VR tools, promoting personalised prevention and education.

  68. [HEALTH] 12 sources
    Italy’s plasma donation gap prompts calls for nationwide awareness campaign

    70% of Italians would donate plasma if better informed, but only 20% understand it; experts urge a national info campaign.

  69. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Greek ICU Patient's Organs Donated to Save Lives in Greece and Italy

    A 68‑year‑old from Arta, Greece, donated his liver, kidneys and corneas, aiding patients in Greece and Italy after his brain death.

  70. [HEALTH] 53 sources
    Guardia di Finanza blood drive in Ascoli Piceno

    Guardia di Finanza staff in Ascoli Piceno donated blood in a joint effort with Avis and AST, encouraging regular community donations.

  71. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Italian communities raise over €110,000 in solidarity fundraisers for a child’s treatment in Mexico and a firefighter’s 

    Italian fundraisers gather €110k+ for a child’s treatment in Mexico and a fallen firefighter’s family.

  72. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Dalmine students win Lombardy award for organ donation awareness software

    Dalmine students win Lombardy prize for organ donation awareness software.

  73. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Italy marks National Day of Organ Donation as transplant activity hits record highs

    Italy marks National Day of Organ Donation as transplant activity hits record highs; Ferrara highlighted for corneas.

  74. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Two Italian hospital donations fund ultrasound system and neonatal devices

    61-year-old funds ultrasound equipment in Sassuolo; 12-year-old raises neonatal devices in Empoli.

Sources

105tv.it · 2anews.it · adnKronos.com · affaritaliani.it · agcult.it · agenparl.eu · aido.it · alguer.it · altarezianews.it · altopascio.info · amp.cataniatoday.it · amp.milanotoday.it · andriaviva.it · anteprima24.it · archivio.atnews.it · askanews.it · aslteramo.it · atnews.it · balarm.it · baritoday.it · basilicata24.it · belvederenews.net · bergamonews.it · bitontoviva.it · boehmova.blog.sme.sk · bologna2000 · bologna2000.com · bolognatoday.it · borderline24.com · brindisireport.it · cagliaripost.com · calabriainforma.it · calabriamagnifica.it · calabrianews.it · canaledieci.it · canaleotto.it · canalesicilia.it · capoeira-school.be · cariatinet.it · castellinotizie.it · catania.liveuniversity.it · catanzaroinforma.it · centropagina.it · centrostudiamericani.org · chiamamicitta.it · cinquecolonne.it · citynow.it · civita.it

This summary has been updated 16 times: see revision history