UNITY IS STRENGTH: LAUNCH OF THE ALL-RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN 'DONOR CODE. DEFENDERS OF THE FATHERLAND'

On February 25, the Hall of Fame at the Victory Museum on Poklonnaya Hill hosted the official launch of the nationwide campaign "Donor Code: Defenders of the Fatherland." Organized by FMBA Russia, this unique initiative aims to promote blood and bone marrow donation as part of the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

The campaign’s mission is to inspire more people to become donors, fostering a culture of voluntary, unpaid blood and bone marrow donation. Giving blood isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s a real chance to save lives. Every donation helps someone in critical need. In this historic year, as Russia honors the heroism of past generations, carrying on the tradition of donation takes on even greater meaning.

"It’s especially important that this initiative is launching during the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, as declared by the President of Russia. This campaign tells the story of generational continuity—of the heroic acts performed by medical workers and donors during the Great Patriotic War. We’re emphasizing the importance of preserving this spirit of selflessness and solidarity, of helping others through blood donation. The sacrifices of donors, particularly during the Siege of Leningrad, when they gave blood to save soldiers, are priceless. Today, we pay tribute to these heroes—to donor heroes—and we want to pass this legacy on to younger generations, inspiring them to carry this mission forward throughout their lives," said Olga Eichler, Head of the Blood Service and Emergency Medicine Department at FMBA Russia.

The opening ceremony brought together over 200 guests, including representatives from the organizing committee, Blood Service institutions, government agencies, the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, media, and Heroes of Russia. The event also featured a Donor Day at the Victory Museum and a special screening of the documentary "Donors of Blockaded Leningrad."

"Donor Code: Defenders of the Fatherland" is the fourth campaign connecting the President’s declared theme of the year with the promotion of blood and bone marrow donation. This approach has now become a tradition, following the success of previous initiatives: "Cultural Donor Code" (2022), "Donor Code: Mentorship" (2023), and "Family Donor Code" (2024).

The campaign is led by the Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA Russia), the Coordination Council under the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation on Blood and Bone Marrow Donation, the National Health Development Fund, and the Russian Red Cross.