Understanding Blood Donation Practices in Gilgit, Pakistan An Anthropological Perspective

Blood is widely recognized as an essential bodily fluid crucial for sustaining life, and blood donation plays a critical role in saving lives. Ensuring access to a safe and sufficient supply of blood and its derivatives and reliable blood transfusion services is indispensable for a strong healthcare system. It is important to note that voluntary non-remunerated blood donors are the most reliable source of safe blood supply. In Pakistan, 70% of donated blood comes from replacement or paid donations, while only 10% comes from voluntary donations. In Gilgit, voluntary blood donation is scarce, and most blood comes from replacements. The respondents display limited understanding of blood transfusion, while they exhibit a positive attitude toward voluntary blood donation despite low participation. This discrepancy is attributed to inadequate awareness and campaigns, as well as prevalent myths and negative perceptions associated with blood and blood donation. Furthermore, sectarian-based segregation, the symbolic relationships between the donor and recipient and the exclusion of female blood donors exacerbate the gap between blood supply and demand. The research emphasises culturally suited solutions and strategies that can help enhance voluntary blood donation in Gilgit.