We need blood donors from all communities and ethnic backgrounds

Blood Groups
Central Europe
Sub-Saharan Africa
Arabic Peninsula
A
43%
27%
27%
B
11%
20%
22%
0
41%
47%
46%
Table: Frequency of blood groups A, B and 0

The markers that determine the blood group of the donor need to match those of the patient closely in order for a blood donation to be just right for that patient. Thus, finding a match is a must. When someone receives a transfusion of blood from a donor whose blood has a marker not found in their own blood, the recipient’s immune system may produce antibodies to that blood type, which can trigger a dangerous reaction during a further transfusion.

Different blood markers are found in different frequencies in different regions of the world. For this reason, there is not always enough blood available in Switzerland that can be used to treat patients from other regions of the world who are ill.

A case in point: Around 67 per cent of people of African descent do not have either the Duffy a or the Duffy b blood marker (Fya or Fyb antigens). The situation is very different among people of European descent, most of whom do have the Duffy markers. Giving a transfusion containing Duffy antigens to a patient who lacks them can trigger the production of Duffy antibodies. This is why it is particularly important to have blood donors of African descent.

Not present
People of African descent
People of European descent
Duffy Fya & Fyb
67%
Less than 1%
Table: Example for absence of blood group markers

If the donor belongs to the same ethnic group as the recipient, the likelihood of their blood being an “ideal” match is greater.

This means that there is a great need for blood donations from persons of African and Asian descent in Switzerland.