Recognizing the Importance of Blood Health on World AIDS Day 

Blood Health 

Blood is one of the body’s most important—but most neglected—organs. Yet awareness of blood health remains low worldwide. Conditions such as iron deficiency, anemia and bleeding or coagulation disorders affect more than three billion people, impacting well-being, energy, cognitive function and overall quality of life.  

Anemia alone affects about two billion people, making it one of the world’s most widespread health challenges. For individuals living with HIV/AIDS, anemia is especially common and can worsen fatigue, impair daily functioning and contribute to worse health outcomes. These challenges underscore the need for greater awareness and proactive strategies to support healthier blood. 

Patient Blood Management  

To help address the global burden, the Global Alliance for Patient Access promotes patient blood management (PBM), a patient-centered approach to managing blood, endorsed by the World Health Organization. PBM focuses on protecting a patient’s own blood through early detection of anemia, prevention of avoidable blood loss and reduction of unnecessary transfusions.  

By shifting care from reactive to proactive, PBM helps improve safety, reduce complications and support better outcomes, particularly for patients at higher risk of anemia, including those living with HIV/AIDS.  

A Call for Action 

This World AIDS Day, GAfPA calls on policymakers, clinicians and advocates to elevate blood health as a public health priority. Increasing early screening, improving access to treatment and implementing PBM across health systems can reduce the global burden of anemia and strengthen care for people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions.  

By protecting blood health, we take an essential step toward improving quality of life and advancing health equity for millions around the world.  

To learn more, visit the CDC’s World AIDS Day page and read GAfPA’s Fast Facts: Chronic Disease, Anemia & Blood Health.