Cyprus Blood Center issues urgent appeal for donations

The Cyprus Blood Center issued an urgent appeal on August 4, 2026, for residents to donate blood due to a significant seasonal shortage. According to the head of the center, Androula Panayiotou, the daily requirement for hospitals has surged to approximately 350 units, compared to about 150 units in the post-pandemic period. The increase is attributed to a higher number of complex surgeries performed in both public and private medical facilities.

The shortage is exacerbated by the summer season, as many regular donors are on vacation and mobile donation drives have decreased. Patients requiring blood include those recovering from surgeries, accident victims, cancer patients, pregnant women, and individuals with thalassemia who need regular transfusions. Because red blood cells have a storage life of only about 42 days, continuous replenishment of stocks is essential. While the Cyprus army recently provided significant assistance, authorities are calling on the general public and young donors to step forward to ensure life-saving supplies remain available. Potential donors must be between 17 and 66 years old and weigh at least 50 kilograms to qualify.