📅 Current Affairs | March 4, 2025

🔹 Who was James Harrison?

James Harrison, Australia’s most famous blood donor, passed away at the age of 88. Known as "The Man with the Golden Arm," his rare Anti-D antibody in his blood saved the lives of over 2.4 million newborns. His remarkable plasma donations played a crucial role in developing a life-saving injection for pregnant women at risk of Rh incompatibility.

🔹 Why is James Harrison’s Contribution Significant?

✅ Donated blood from age 18 to 81, making donations every two weeks for 63 years.
✅ Holds a Guinness World Record (2005) for the most plasma donations, which he maintained until 2022.
✅ His plasma helped develop the Anti-D injection, used to prevent Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN) in Rh-negative pregnant mothers.

🔹 What is the Anti-D Antibody?

• Anti-D is a rare antibody that protects Rh-negative pregnant women from complications if their baby has Rh-positive blood.
• Without this injection, the mother's immune system may attack the unborn baby's red blood cells, leading to severe anemia, brain damage, or even stillbirth.
• Australia’s Lifeblood and Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research are now working on synthesizing this antibody in laboratories to ensure continuous supply.

🔹 James Harrison’s Inspirational Journey

📌 At 14, he underwent major surgery and received a blood transfusion, which saved his life.
📌 This inspired him to pledge to donate blood once he turned 18.
📌 For over six decades, he continued donating blood every two weeks, making him one of the world’s most influential blood donors.

🔹 Australia’s Anti-D Blood Donation Program

🔸 Australia has only 200 registered Anti-D donors, yet their donations help protect 45,000 pregnant women and their babies every year.
🔸 Lifeblood, a division of the Australian Red Cross, oversees the donation and distribution of Anti-D injections.

James Harrison’s Family Tribute

🗣️ His daughter, Tracey Meloship, said:
"My father was proud to save millions of lives without any pain or cost. He always encouraged people to donate blood, calling it a painless way to save lives."

Interestingly, Harrison’s own grandchildren received the Anti-D injection, reinforcing the life-saving importance of his contributions.

🔹 Why is Blood Donation Important?

✔ Blood donation is a selfless act that can save millions of lives.
✔ One donor can help multiple patients, especially those needing plasma therapy.
✔ Medical research relies on donors like Harrison to develop critical life-saving treatments.

🔍 UPSC & Competitive Exam Relevance

📌 Who was James Harrison? – Australia’s legendary blood donor, known as the "Man with the Golden Arm."
📌 What is the Anti-D Antibody? – A rare antibody used to prevent newborn complications in Rh-negative mothers.
📌 How many Anti-D donors are there in Australia? – Only 200, but they help 45,000 mothers annually.
📌 What is Lifeblood? – A unit of the Australian Red Cross that manages blood donation programs.
📌 Guinness World Record – Harrison held the record for most plasma donations from 2005 to 2022.

🔹 Conclusion

James Harrison’s life is a testament to how one person can save millions of lives. His legacy serves as a reminder that blood donation is not just a medical necessity but a humanitarian responsibility.

👉 Be a Hero – Donate Blood, Save Lives!

Keywords:

🔹 James Harrison Blood Donor
🔹 Man with the Golden Arm
🔹 Anti-D Antibody UPSC
🔹 Blood Donation Importance
🔹 Lifeblood Australia
🔹 World Blood Donor Day 2025
🔹 Guinness World Record for Plasma Donation
🔹 Rh-Negative Pregnancy Risks

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By Team Atharva Examwise #atharvaexamwise