The Établissement Français du Sang, France’s national blood bank, needs 60,000 new plasma donations by the end of 2025 to meet current needs. At a regional level, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur must find 5,000 new donors within the same time frame to maintain essential plasma supplies.
The demand for plasma, a blood component, is rising in France. Plasma is used by hospitals and the medical establishment to treat various conditions, such as immune deficiencies and haemophilia, as well as certain autoimmune and neurological disorders. Donated plasma is also essential in surgeries, both scheduled and emergency.
An additional 60,000 plasma donations will be needed by the end of 2025 if the Établissement Français du Sang (EFS) is to properly manage the growing demand. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region is particularly in need of new donors.
There are only 4,000 active plasma donors in PACA, which is insufficient to maintain healthy supplies. According to Endréa Ktorza-Buggiani, Regional Developer at Maison du Don de Nice, the region needs to recruit 5,000 new and regular donors by the end of next year.
PACA hospitals are among the best in France and attract patients from other areas who seek a higher quality of care. The region also hosts large numbers of tourists, some of whom require medical treatment. Additionally, the population of the region is aging, and older people tend to require more operations and hospital interventions.
The issue is compounded by the fact that around 170,000 people leave the national donor files each year, creating a shortage of donors.
How to donate
To make a plasma donation, potential donors can start by making an appointment at a donation centre. Appointments can be booked via the EFS website at www.dondesang.efs.sante.fr or through the Don de Sang app. PACA donation centres are located in Arles, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Nice and Toulon.
Donating plasma carries a lower risk and is less tiring than blood donation. The process is also relatively quick, taking only 45 minutes to an hour. Donors need to meet a few criteria: they must be over the age of 18, under 66, and weigh more than 55kg.
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