[REVISION HISTORY]

Blood shortages and donor drives persist across Balkans/EU

Updated 11 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-17 10:51 UTC → 2026-09-23 13:32 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Blood donor shortages and supply concerns remain a persistent issue across Europe and the Balkans. In the Balkans, Serbia’s Institute for Transfusion of Blood has warned of critical minimums, particularly for A-positive, O-positive, and all negative groups. As of mid-August, the Institute reported that reserves had dropped to a critical two-day level. While Dr. Mirsad Đerlek, State Secretary in the Ministry of Health, previously noted that surgical programs had not yet been postponed, the situation ~~has become~~ became more pressing in early September. Representative Mirjana Knežević of the Institute for Blood Transfusion of Serbia reported that weekly collections ~~are~~ were falling short of the 1,500 to 1,800 units ~~required for smooth healthcare functioning,~~ required, with only about 1,000 units collected recently. On one day, only 80 units were gathered against a daily requirement of 300. Knežević warned that while surgeries have not yet been postponed, the current trend could lead to such measures if donations do not increase. To combat this, drives are being organized in Bogatić and Belgrade's Stari Grad, and citizens are encouraged to donate at the Institute on Svetog Save Street. Regional efforts to bolster supplies ~~continue~~ through community ~~actions.~~ actions have continued through late September. In ~~Bosnia and Herzegovina,~~ Montenegro, a ~~campaign~~ fifth consecutive voluntary donation event in ~~Uzarići organized by~~ Andrijevica saw 40 citizens participate to support northern region reserves. In Croatia, the Voluntary Blood Donor Active (DDK) in Sukošan reported collecting 257 doses, totaling approximately 116 liters, across three drives held over nine months in collaboration with the Zadar Red Cross ~~Široki Brijeg~~ and Zadar General Hospital. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the University Clinical ~~Hospital Mostar~~ Center in Banja Luka collected ~~49 units from 51 donors.~~ approximately 50 doses. Acting General Director Nikola Šobot announced plans to introduce priority medical examination terms for donors, and a new cooperation agreement aims to facilitate faster hospitalization for contributors. In ~~the Brčko district,~~ Gračanica, the ~~Islamic Community~~ Red Cross held a ~~drive as part of a religious-cultural manifestation, where medical professionals noted that such field activities are vital for maintaining stocks, especially~~ gathering to honor frequent donors, including Mirsad Maglajlić, who was recognized for ~~rare RHD-negative components. In Croatia, donation campaigns~~ 118 donations. Meanwhile, in ~~Delnice and Rijeka collected 202 and 106 units respectively. In Slovenia,~~ Nikšić, the ~~‘Violet Blood for All People’ event saw participation from families~~ ‘Save a Life – It is in Your Blood’ campaign collected 50 units, specifically targeting younger donors and ~~athletes.~~ students.

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