Thank you for that insight. I wondered why that would be the case especially in Romania. Then I remembered the transfusion calamity of years ago when dirty needles were used and monitoring of the blood was poor. So many children (people ) were affected by that. Is it possible people don't trust the machinery and the medical profession to protect them? In any country there is a small risk of contaminated machinery or needles. Would this be a disincentive?

I don't personally give blood/plasma. Years ago I tried and fainted. I've always been anemic and am a poor candidate. I would try again, though, if I thought they'd take my blood. After all, I did receive a transfusion once myself.

My husband always donated blood when he was healthy--every time there was a blood drive at work.