TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Blood Services Foundation reported Sunday that there were 1,834,446 blood donations in Taiwan last year.

According to the foundation, eligible donors gave blood an average of 1.82 times last year. Donors aged 21 to 30 averaged 1.49 donations, those aged 31 to 40 averaged 1.69, and donors aged 41 to 50 gave 1.89 times. The average rose to 2.06 for those aged 51 to 65, while donors over 65 had the highest average at 2.94 donations per person, per CNA.

Taiwan Society of Blood Transfusion Chair Chueh Tsung-hsi (闕宗熙) highlighted a low frequency of blood donations and a decrease in young people as donors. He expressed concern that this limited participation from the younger generation could pose challenges for maintaining a stable blood supply.

The foundation reported that the percentage of the population donating blood rose from 7.54% in 2015 to 8.13% in 2023, but dropped to 7.84% last year. It also noted that hospitals in Taiwan received 2.43 million units of red blood cells last year, marking a 2.3% decrease from 2023. Platelet supply fell by 1%, while plasma supply declined by 5.5%.

Chueh said the declining birth rate has contributed to a decrease in young blood donors. He noted that while Taiwan ranks among the top countries in blood donation participation, there is limited potential for further increases.

The foundation said the blood donation rate among individuals aged 17 to 20 fell from 15.61% in 2013 to 11.19% in 2023, with the number of donors in that age group falling from 201,000 to 99,000. It also noted that following the Lunar New Year holiday this year, blood banks across Taiwan experienced a critical shortage, with Taipei Blood Center's supply dropping to around four days, significantly below the seven-day safety stock level.

Chueh urged the Ministry of Health and Welfare to establish clear guidelines for the appropriate use of blood, including standards for volume and timing, while also encouraging greater public participation in blood donation.

According to the health ministry, blood donors must be between 17 and 65 years old and weigh at least 45 kilograms. Individuals over 65 can donate only if they have donated blood within the previous two years and have a doctor's approval.