James Harrison, an Australian railway clerk, dedicated over 60 years of his life to blood donations, contributing significantly to public health by saving 2.4 million babies through his rare antibodies. After receiving blood transfusions at age 14, he began donating blood in 1954. His plasma's Anti-D antibodies, discovered in 1966, helped prevent hemolytic disease in newborns. Medical authorities manufactured over 3 million doses of Anti-D immunoglobulin from his donations, highlighting his unique contribution to healthcare until he stopped in 2018 due to age constraints.
James Harrison's blood donation efforts saved 2.4 million babies over 60 years, exemplifying the profound impact of individual contributions to public health.
Harrison began donating blood after undergoing major lung surgery at age 14, later learning that he had received numerous transfusions during his recovery.
Medical officials discovered Harrison’s high levels of Anti-D, leading to its use in preventing hemolytic disease of the newborn, a major cause of infant mortality.
Since 1967, over 3 million doses of Anti-D immunoglobulin have been manufactured from Harrison's plasma, with every ampoule in Australia containing his rare antibodies.
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