Basque country Faces Critical Blood Shortage, Urgent donations Needed
The Basque Country is experiencing a notable decline in blood reserves, prompting an urgent call for donations from health officials. The shortfall, impacting all blood types, threatens to disrupt vital medical procedures and treatments across the region.
The joint appeal from fellowship and the Department of Health of the Basque Government comes after a post-Christmas dip in donations, exacerbated by the peak of the influenza epidemic in December. Authorities report a current daily need of approximately 400 donations in Euskadi to maintain adequate supply levels.
Reserves Plummet Below Normal Levels
The Basque Center for Transfusion and Human Tissues (CVTTH) has issued a stark warning, stating that current reserves are “well below” typical values for this time of year. “The decline has been noted in all groups,” a senior official stated, emphasizing the widespread nature of the problem and the critical need for increased participation.
The seasonal decrease in donations following the holidays is a recurring challenge, but this year’s situation is compounded by the widespread illness caused by the recent flu outbreak. Many potential donors were unable to contribute during the end of 2025 and the beginning of January due to sickness.
Why Your Donation Matters Now
Blood donation remains the only way to obtain essential components for life-saving transfusions and to produce critical medicines derived from plasma.These plasma-derived medications are integral to healthcare activity,treating a range of conditions and supporting complex medical interventions. The appeal extends to both regular donors and those considering donating for the first time.
Were to Donate in Bilbao and Bizkaia
Osakidetza, the Basque health Service, maintains continuously updated details on fixed donation points and mobile unit locations on the Euskadi Blood Donors website and social media channels. Currently, the mobile donation point in Abando, Bilbao, remains active, alongside other rotating locations throughout the Bizkaia province.
Donation Requirements
Individuals interested in donating must meet specific criteria. Donors must be between 18 and 65 years old, in good health, and weigh more than 50 kilograms (approximately 110 pounds). Those who have recently recovered from a respiratory virus are advised to wait 15 days before donating to ensure optimal health and safety.
2025 Donation Statistics: A Strong Base, Now Under Strain
In 2025, a total of 79,107 donations were collected from 46,418 donors across Euskadi. Notably, 6,599 new donors joined the registry, a positive trend crucial for sustaining long-term blood supply. These donations yielded 68,415 red blood cell concentrates, 11,504 doses of platelets, and 22,224 liters of plasma.
From Donation to Treatment: Impact Across healthcare
The collected blood components supported approximately 82,000 transfusions in 2025, distributed to various health centers to address surgeries, emergency situations, and ongoing treatments, including those for oncological patients. These components are used to create vital medications like immunoglobulins and antihemophilic factors,
