By| Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja
The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended Nigeria for making significant progress in blood donation efforts, while urging the country and other nations to meet the global benchmark of at least 10 blood donations per 1,000 people to ensure adequate and safe blood supply for patients in need.
Speaking at the commemoration of World Blood Donor Day 2026, on Monday, in Abuja, World Health Organization -WHO representative Dr. Chavan Lamikant praised Nigeria’s achievements in expanding access to safe blood and blood products, describing it as a critical pillar of a resilient healthcare system.
According to Chavan, thousands of Nigerians rely on blood transfusions daily, including women facing complications during pregnancy and childbirth, children suffering from severe malaria and anaemia, victims of road traffic accidents, surgical patients, and individuals living with chronic health conditions.
“Access to safe blood and blood products is not just a medical necessity; it is a cornerstone of a resilient health system and an essential component of achieving universal health coverage and health security,” he said.
Dr. Lamikant noted that WHO recommends that countries collect at least 10 blood donations per 1,000 population, adding that Nigeria has made encouraging progress by doubling its blood donation figures over the past two years.
“I congratulate Nigeria because in the last two years, blood donations have doubled. However, there is still a need to strengthen regular, voluntary and unpaid blood donation as the safest and most sustainable source of blood,” he stated.
He paid tribute to voluntary blood donors across the country, describing them as “silent heroes” whose generosity and compassion save lives every day. He also called on young people, institutions, faith-based organisations, communities and the media to promote voluntary blood donation and help dispel myths surrounding the practice.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Director-General of the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), Prof. Saleh Yuguda, by Dr. Sani Abubakar, the agency highlighted major strides made in strengthening blood transfusion services nationwide.
The DG noted that World Blood Donor Day is dedicated to recognising the invaluable contribution of voluntary blood donors whose selfless actions sustain healthcare systems and save countless lives.
“This year’s theme, ‘One Drop of Humanity, Give Blood, Save Lives,’ aptly captures the essence of voluntary blood donation as a profound expression of compassion, solidarity and collective responsibility,” he said.
According to the agency, Nigeria’s blood collection figures have shown remarkable growth, with the national pool of blood donations “almost doubling” between 2024 and 2025.
“It is on record that our pool of blood collections has almost doubled between 2024 and 2025, and we expect even greater progress this year,” the statement said.
The agency attributed the achievement to new policies, stronger partnerships and the dedication of NBSA personnel across the country.
The NBSA also announced a major technological breakthrough with the approval of the National Blood Management System by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Under the initiative, blood centres, hospitals and partner facilities across the country will be fully digitised, enabling donors, healthcare professionals and patients to access blood-related information electronically.
The digital platform is expected to streamline blood donation and transfusion processes, allowing users to access blood type information and blood supply services through mobile devices and other digital platforms.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Bunmi Amoo, Director of Prevention Services at APIN Public Health Initiatives, and Nurse Shalom Edeh, Founder of Shalom Health Foundation, stressed the need for increased public participation in voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation.
They noted that despite ongoing efforts, many healthcare facilities still face blood shortages, leaving patients with life-threatening conditions vulnerable.
The speakers commended long-standing partnerships with the National Blood Service Agency and highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Secondary School Blood Safety Club Programme, aimed at educating young people on the importance of blood donation and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
Celebrating Blood Donation Champions
A major highlight of the event was the recognition of outstanding blood donors, including Amina Giwa, who was honoured as the highest blood donor of the year after donating blood 40 times.
Amina attributed her commitment to saving lives through blood donation to divine protection and her desire to support humanity.
Renewed Call to Save Lives
Observed annually on June 14, World Blood Donor Day celebrates voluntary blood donors worldwide and raises awareness about the importance of safe blood supplies.
This year’s celebration, themed “One Drop of Humanity, Give Blood, Save Lives,” brought together government officials, healthcare experts, development partners, civil society organisations and donors, all united in their commitment to improving blood transfusion services and increasing voluntary blood donations across Nigeria.
Participants emphasized that every blood donation has the potential to save lives and called on more Nigerians to become regular voluntary donors in support of a healthier and safer nation
