FMBA of Russia Promotes Donorship Through Series of Events at the “Territory of Meanings” Forum

The Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA) organized a series of initiatives to promote blood and bone marrow donation among young people during the 11th All-Russian Youth Educational Forum Territory of Meanings. The program featured lectures, open discussions, and donation drives that received strong positive feedback from participants.

«Territory of Meanings is one of the youth platforms where FMBA holds annual educational events to support the donor movement. The agency is systematically developing every aspect of donation - from blood and its components to expanding the Federal Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Engaging young people is an essential part of this work. Through educational and interactive activities, we not only raise awareness but also build a step-by-step system of involvement - from first-time donations to regular participation in drives and joining the Federal Bone Marrow Donor Registry. This comprehensive approach helps foster a lasting culture of donation as a socially responsible norm,” said Olga Eikhler, Head of the FMBA’s Department of Blood Service and Emergency Medicine.

As part of the Family session, a panel discussion focused on the development of family-based donation. Olga Eikhler delivered a keynote address on the importance of building donor traditions within families.

During the Creation session, experts explored the role of donation in strengthening social ties and shaping corporate culture. The discussion brought together business leaders and youth organization representatives, including Svetlana Aminova, Head Expert at the Main Bureau of Medical and Social Expertise of FMBA.

The central theme of the Unity session was the role of donation in modern society. Experts and participants discussed different aspects of this vital social practice. The panel included youth leaders, medical professionals, and public figures such as Anna Anikina, Chair of the FMBA Youth Council for the Central Federal District, and Kirill Kovalchuk, Assistant Director of the FMBA Blood Center.

Alexey Kubrak, Head of the social volunteer project Leaders-Donors and Chief Expert at Russian Railways (RZD), emphasized the community-building aspect of donation:

«In partnership with FMBA of Russia, we’re not just organizing blood drives - we’re building a community of like-minded people, where every participant understands that their personal contribution becomes part of a larger mission to improve the nation’s health. At the forum, I saw how young leaders, donating blood for the first time, discovered a new dimension of teamwork - when you take responsibility not only for yourself, but also for those whose lives your donation could save. That’s where real solidarity is born - not in words, but in action. Major companies and corporations like Russian Railways, together with FMBA, are continuing to foster this culture of mutual support across the country.”

The idea of donation as a unifying force was echoed by Dmitry Afanasyev, winner of the Leaders of Russia competition, member of the executive committee of the Elbrus Club, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of VRMED Group:

«Donation is one of those rare cases when a simple act by one person can save another’s life - and in doing so, make the world a better place. The donor movement truly brings people together, regardless of age, profession, or beliefs. When you give blood, you’re not just helping one individual - you’re becoming part of something greater, a real community that values solidarity and responsibility. This is the foundation of civil society: when people willingly and consciously do what benefits everyone. FMBA and the Blood Service are creating the conditions for this unity, and I’m glad the Territory of Meanings forum became a platform where this idea resonated so strongly with young people.

A special highlight of the forum was the project Triangles: Stories That Must Be Told. This online initiative honors the heroic role of donors, blood service staff, and medical professionals during World War II, as well as their continued contribution to saving lives in peacetime. The project is part of the nationwide campaign Donor Code: Defenders of the Fatherland.

A key part of the program was a series of youth-driven blood drives. A mobile donation unit, operated by specialists from the FMBA Blood Center, was stationed at every session of the forum, giving participants the opportunity not only to donate blood and its components but also to receive consultations from transfusion medicine specialists.

The Federal Medical-Biological Agency is pursuing a comprehensive strategy for developing the donor movement, built around three main priorities: expanding regular blood donation, scaling up plasma collection, and growing the Federal Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Special focus is placed on engaging young people - with projects designed both for first-time donors and for experienced donors who regularly give blood and its components. This systematic approach ensures that healthcare institutions are supplied with the necessary blood components while also fostering a culture of responsible donation among youth as an essential part of civic engagement.