AN OVERVIEW ANALYSIS OF BLOOD DONATION IN THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

This article provides an update on the current status of blood supply in Iran. Iran is a large country with an area of over 1,648,000 km2. It is comprises of 28 provinces, 282 districts, 724 cities, 742 towns, and over 2260 villages. The population is estimated to be more than 67 million, with 50.4% under the age of 19 years, and 4.4% over 65 years. The population growth rate is 1.41%. The safety and adequacy of blood supply depend on the commitment of each national health authority to the establishment of a well organized, nationally coordinated blood donation program. This requires the official recognition of a specific organization with the sole responsibility of blood transfusion services, an adequate budget, and a national blood policy and plan supported by a legislative and regulatory framework that governs all activities.