Every year, Kenya joins the rest of the countries to mark World Blood Donor Day.
The day is marked on June 14 of every year to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products.
This year, the day has been organised under the theme, '20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!'
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the event also serves to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.
"A blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is a key component of an effective health system," WHO says.
The global theme of World Blood Donor Day changes each year in recognition of the selfless individuals who donate their blood for people unknown to them, it says.
As the world marks this important day, here are some the things you need to know;
Why should you donate blood?
According to Red Cross, every 10 minutes about seven Kenyans need blood.
The person you help may be a victim of a traffic accident, a mother giving birth, a child with anaemia or a patient undergoing surgery.
The blood you give may sometimes help as many as four people at once.
Who is eligible to donate?
Red Cross notes that people aged 16 to 65 years, can give blood provided they are in good health.
They should weigh at least 50 Kgs.
Note that you do not need a special diet prior to donating blood.
How much blood can you donate?
Only one unit of blood(approximately 450ml) will be taken.
The average adult body has from 10-12 pints of blood.
You can spare a little of your blood without harmful effects and your body will quickly replace it.
How often can you donate?
A man can donate blood after every 3 months and a woman after every 4 months.
What you can do?
By being a voluntary blood donor and an inspiration to other and find out your blood type and register as a blood donor.
