The Blood Donation Pledge is nearly 7 times more than the previous world record of 10,217!
Global (24 October 2022) – Over 71,000 members of the youth volunteer group ‘WE ARE ONE’ set a new Guinness World Records title for the most people to pledge as blood donors within 24 hours.
‘WE ARE ONE’ forms part of Shincheonji Church of Jesus – an international organisation with a footprint in South Africa.
The organisation set a goal of 70,000 blood donations to raise global awareness of the importance of donating blood. Through their “Life ON Youth ON” donation campaign, the group wanted to help alleviate the blood shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.
71,121 volunteers registered to donate within 24 hours, with almost 1,000 sign-ups coming from Southern Africa. This is nearly seven times India’s previous world record of 10,217 (8 hours).
“It was possible to achieve our goal not only because of the volunteers, but also the Red Cross officials working at the forefront to solve the blood shortage and the company that developed an efficient blood donation application system,” head of ‘WE ARE ONE’ explained.
According to a report published by the World Health Organisation in June 2022, blood shortages have impacted all countries during and since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The South African Nation Blood Service (SANBS) needs to maintain a blood stock level of 5 days for each blood group to ensure sustained blood availability for patients in need. Currently, there is only 3.6 days of bloodstock available; this could be due to the fact that less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors. A unit of blood only lasts 42 days after donation, so it is essential for blood donors to donate regularly. Donors can give blood as often as every eight weeks.
Khulekani Zuma, a spokesperson for the SANBS said, “I must say I am very moved by the Shincheonji Church initiative to break the World Record. I’m very proud and happy that they’ve taken this stance to try and save lives, not only by talking but by taking action as well.”
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