By Brenda Izu
The National Blood Service Agency has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, private organisations, development partners, media houses, and public-spirited Nigerians to boost voluntary blood donation and ensure a steady supply of safe blood across the country.
The appeal was made during activities marking the 2026 World Blood Donor Day in Benin City, Edo State, where stakeholders, healthcare professionals, blood donors, and development partners gathered to celebrate voluntary donors and promote greater public participation in blood donation.
Speaking at the event, the South-South Zonal Director of the NBSA, Prof. Kenneth Halim, described voluntary blood donors as unsung heroes whose contributions save thousands of lives annually.
According to him, donated blood remains critical for the treatment of accident victims, trauma patients, women facing childbirth complications, and individuals living with sickle cell disease and other health conditions requiring transfusion.
“Today gives us the opportunity to thank our numerous voluntary donors who have been saving lives. Every unit of blood donated can mean the difference between life and death for a patient in need,” Halim said.
He stressed that achieving an adequate and safe blood supply requires sustained investment and partnerships.
“We are appealing to governments, private organisations, development partners and the media to continue supporting our work. Safe blood does not happen by chance. It requires investment in equipment, infrastructure, public awareness and donor retention programmes,” he stated.
The consultant haematologist underscored the need for modern screening equipment capable of detecting transfusion-transmissible infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis, noting that advanced technology would strengthen the agency’s capacity to provide safe blood for healthcare facilities nationwide.
Halim also advocated stronger donor retention strategies, maintaining that voluntary blood donation remains the safest and most sustainable source of blood supply.
He encouraged healthy Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 65 to donate blood regularly after undergoing the required medical screening.
“Blood donation benefits both the recipient and the donor. Donors undergo health checks and screening, while the body naturally replenishes the blood cells that are donated. Most importantly, they have the satisfaction of knowing they helped save a life,” he added.
Chairperson of the World Blood Donor Day Planning Committee, Aishat Amenze Jimoh, said the event was organised to celebrate voluntary donors and encourage more Nigerians to embrace blood donation.
She said activities lined up for the celebration included a sensitisation walk, blood donation exercises, donor recognition and public awareness campaigns.
“This celebration is about appreciating our donors and encouraging others to join them. We want more people to understand the importance of blood donation and the difference it makes in saving lives,” she said.
Jimoh noted that awareness campaigns had contributed significantly to improved public participation in blood donation over the years.
“The turnout keeps increasing because people are beginning to understand the health benefits and humanitarian impact of blood donation. More people now realise that donating blood is one practical way of helping others,” she added.
She called for broader support from organisations, institutions, community leaders and the media to strengthen advocacy efforts.
“We need more partners to help spread the message. There are pregnant women, anaemic children, accident victims and many other patients who depend on blood transfusion. Advocacy and awareness can help ensure blood is available when needed,” she said.
A highlight of the event was the recognition of development partners supporting blood donation campaigns, including Fidson Healthcare Plc.
Representatives of the company said providing blood tonics and support materials to donors formed part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at encouraging voluntary blood donation and improving healthcare outcomes.
Several donors also shared their experiences and urged Nigerians to donate blood voluntarily.
A repeat donor, Japheth Izomo, described blood donation as a simple but impactful way of contributing to society.
“It is not my first time donating. I do it whenever I can because it is my little way of helping others. If people are healthy and eligible, they should consider donating because one unit of blood can save a life,” he said.
Another donor, Daniel Francis, who has donated blood several times, said the greatest reward lies in knowing that lives are being saved.
“The most important thing is knowing that someone somewhere will benefit from the blood. That alone is enough motivation,” he said.
Among those honoured at the event was Pastor Osifo Nicholas, who completed his 31st blood donation during the programme.
Nicholas described voluntary blood donation as both healthy and fulfilling.
“I feel good and healthy each time I donate. Beyond helping patients, regular donation encourages healthy living and allows donors to monitor their health status. More people should get involved because blood donation saves lives,” he said.
World Blood Donor Day is observed annually on June 14 to celebrate voluntary blood donors and raise awareness about the need for safe blood. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Austrian scientist Karl Landsteiner, whose discovery of the ABO blood group system transformed blood transfusion medicine.
The 2026 theme, “One Drop of Humanity, Give Blood, Save Lives,” highlights the critical role of voluntary blood donation in saving lives and strengthening healthcare systems.
