More Irish people are being urged to donate blood, as blood services from around the world launch a new awareness campaign.
There has been an almost 30% drop in the number of men and women donating blood worldwide, according to the a survey by international blood services.
In Ireland, there has been a 21% decrease in donors coming forward to give blood.
A new initiative is been launched today in a bid to attract 8,000 new donors here by the end of the year.
The #MissingType campaign will see the As, Bs and Os - the letters of the main blood groups - 'disappearing' at iconic locations across the world, including Croke Park and the Wild Atlantic Way here in Ireland.
Different companies and public organisations have also been participating in the campaign across social media.
You can help replace what is missing #MissingType pic.twitter.com/GbSC9j9LXN
— Wild Atlantic Way (@wildatlanticway) August 13, 2016
C_ming t_ Cr_ke P_rk this weekend? We c_n help y_u find y_ur w_y! #MissingType
📠https://t.co/3D8TnAuoaA pic.twitter.com/pNscimz4aa
— Croke Park (@CrokePark) August 12, 2016
These guys see the need for it, you can donate it & help others live. 3000 units needed each week #MissingType pic.twitter.com/9GI20TR3TS
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) August 15, 2016
According to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS), a number of barriers are impacting people's willingness and ability to give blood. They include increased urbanisation and the prevalence of wider and 'more exotic' travel.
Chief Executive the IBTS, Andy Kelly, spoke to Newstalk Breakfast about the campaign and their call for more donors.
He explained: "We want people to come forward with any blood type in those groups, and donate blood. Not necessarily today, but to commit to becoming a donor over the next few months."
