Every day, people around the world rely on plasma-derived medicines to manage serious, rare, and chronic conditions. Behind every treatment is a complex journey involving plasma donors, collection centers, scientists, manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and many others working together to help patients access the therapies they need.
International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW) brings this community together each year to recognize the importance of plasma, celebrate the people who make plasma-derived medicines possible, and increase understanding of the patients whose lives depend on these therapies.
In 2026, IPAW will take place October 5–9.
What Is International Plasma Awareness Week?
IPAW is a global awareness campaign that highlights the vital role of plasma-derived medicines and the importance of plasma donation.
Throughout the week, organizations and individuals around the world will have opportunities to share educational resources, patient and donor stories, and messages of appreciation to help others better understand the plasma ecosystem.
The campaign brings together patients, caregivers, families, healthcare professionals, plasma donors, patient organizations, industry partners, and communities with a shared goal: raising awareness of the impact of plasma-derived medicines and the people behind them.
Why Does Plasma Matter?
Plasma is the liquid portion of blood and contains proteins that can be used to produce medicines for people with a range of serious health conditions. For patients who depend on plasma-derived therapies, access to these medicines can be an essential part of managing their health and living their lives.
IPAW provides an opportunity to make those connections more visible—to show how a plasma donation can become part of a treatment that helps a patient, supports a family, or gives someone the opportunity to pursue their goals.
Join the Conversation
Everyone has a role to play in raising awareness.
During IPAW, you can
- Share IPAW campaign resources on social media.
- Tell others about the importance of plasma donation.
- Share a patient, caregiver, family, or donor story.
- Feature IPAW in your organization's newsletter or website.
- Thank plasma donors for their contributions.
- Encourage others to learn more about plasma-derived medicines.
Visit the IPAW Resource Center to access campaign materials and find ways to participate.
Together, we can help more people understand why plasma powers possibility.