In some communities, people are used to offering or asking for money in exchange for blood. This may seem like a quick solution, but it is unsafe and unethical.

Safety risks of paid blood

When people are paid for donating:

·       They may hide illnesses, high‑risk behaviours or recent infections to avoid being rejected and losing money.

·       Some may donate too frequently to earn more, harming their own health.

·       Others may be so desperate for money that they ignore medical advice and donate when unfit.

Even with testing, this increases the risk that:

·       Infections like hepatitis or HIV might slip through (especially during the early “window period”).

·       Patients receive unsafe blood.

In contrast, regular voluntary donors have fewer reasons to hide information and are more likely to follow rules, making the blood supply safer.

Ethical concerns

Buying and selling blood:

·       Treats human blood as a commodity instead of a shared life‑saving resource.

·       Exploits the poorest and most vulnerable, who may feel forced to risk their health for money.

·       Undermines the spirit of altruism, community support and solidarity.

Many national and international guidelines state clearly that:

·       Blood donation should be voluntary and unpaid.

·       Donors may be thanked with refreshments, certificates, small tokens, or recognition—but not cash or items of significant value.