Youth blood donor rate in S’pore continues downward trend, posing challenge amid ageing population

Singapore is facing a decline in youth blood donors, prompting concerns about the long-term sustainability of the national blood supply as the population ages. Efforts are underway to attract and retain younger donors through targeted outreach initiatives and addressing misconceptions about blood donation.

Downward Trend in Youth Donations

Charmaine Tan, 18, began volunteering with the Singapore Red Cross’ YouthInspire program after turning 16, hoping to encourage her peers to donate blood. However, figures released by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in January 2026 show a continuing downward trend in youth blood donor participation – those aged 16 to 25.

In 2025, there were more than 9,600 youth donors, representing about 12 percent of the donor pool. This is down from 28 percent in 2015.

Aging Donor Population

While the total number of blood donors grew nearly 9 percent from 2015 to 2025 – from 71,277 to 77,567 – the demographic profile is shifting. Total blood donations rose almost 12 percent in the same period, from 122,048 units to 136,172 units.

The median donor age has increased from 34 years in 2015 to 40 years in 2025. The largest donor cohort shifted from the 21 to 30 age group in 2015 to the 31 to 40 age group in 2025, mirroring Singapore’s aging population.

One in four Singaporeans is expected to be aged 65 or older by 2030, up from one in 10 in 2010.

Increased Demand from Seniors

HSA notes that this demographic shift intensifies the challenge for the National Blood Programme, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2026. A shrinking youth donor population, coupled with an increasing number of seniors who may become ineligible to donate due to health conditions, could lead to a smaller donor pool.

Patients over the age of 60 account for about 60 percent of Singapore’s blood consumption, according to an HSA study conducted in 2023. HSA stated that blood demand will increase as more seniors require blood transfusions as part of their medical treatments.

“This underscores the importance of our youth outreach initiatives to cultivate the next generation of donors and ensure long-term blood security,” HSA said.

Addressing Barriers to Donation

The Singapore Red Cross, which oversees blood donor recruitment, believes waning interest among youth may be a factor. “Blood donation has not yet become an integrated lifestyle choice for many,” the organization stated.

Undergraduate Ethan Sia, 23, who has donated blood five times, suggests that blood donation “is probably not seen as cool” and “just doesn’t really come up in conversations.” Charmaine Tan added that fear of needles and misconceptions about pain can also deter potential donors.

Initiatives to Attract Youth Donors

To attract more youth donors, the Singapore Red Cross has been organizing events appealing to young people’s interests, such as concerts, collectible giveaways, and cultural events. A partnership with toy company Pop Mart, offering blind boxes to donors between Oct 2 and Nov 7 in 2025, resulted in increased new youth donor participation compared to the same period in 2024.

The YouthInspire program, launched in June 2024, organizes ground-up initiatives to encourage peer-to-peer donor recruitment, with volunteers like Charmaine playing a key role. Charmaine helped run the Gracie Abrams Blood Donation Drive in 2025, and the team also organized a Halloween-themed drive, attracting over 200 participants with nearly 20 percent donating blood.

“The main purpose of these themed events is to allow people to have fun while being able to do something meaningful,” Charmaine said.

Importance of Retention and Continued Innovation

Associate Professor Lina Lim from the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine emphasizes the importance of encouraging young donors to return regularly, suggesting repeat invitations and convenient scheduling. She also recommends examining why some young donors do not continue donating after their first experience to identify targeted interventions.

The Singapore Red Cross recognizes the need for “consistent relationship building over time” and stated that while the current blood supply is adequate, building a sustainable donor base for the future remains a key priority, requiring continued innovation in recruitment and retention strategies.