CHINA, which has about 20 percent of the world’s population, accounts for only 10 percent of global blood collection. Both the government and professionals are working hard to encourage more blood donors.

China hosted this year’s World Blood Donor Day, held yesterday under the auspices of the World Health Organization. The occasion was used to redouble efforts to increase donations.

In Shanghai, blood donations are rising. Voluntary donations have grown from less than 40,000 liters in 1998 to 92,000 liters last year. But it still lags demand.