By Fatima Saka
Abuja, June 15, 2026 — The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on Nigerians to embrace voluntary blood donation as a civic responsibility, warning that persistent shortages continue to threaten access to life-saving transfusion services across the country.
The WHO Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu, made the call on Monday in Abuja in a goodwill message to mark the 2026 World Blood Donor Day, themed “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.”
Ursu said thousands of patients across Nigeria depend daily on safe and timely blood transfusions, including women facing complications during childbirth, children suffering from severe malaria and anaemia, accident victims, surgical patients, and those living with chronic conditions.
“Access to safe blood and blood products is not merely a medical necessity; it is a cornerstone of resilient health systems and an essential component of achieving Universal Health Coverage and health security,” he said.
While commending Nigeria’s progress in strengthening its blood transfusion system through the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Blood Service Agency, and development partners, Ursu noted that significant gaps remain.
According to him, Nigeria still falls short of the WHO-recommended benchmark of at least 10 blood donations per 1,000 population, with voluntary, non-remunerated donations remaining below required levels.
“Nigeria’s growing population and increasing healthcare demands make it imperative to expand the pool of regular voluntary blood donors,” he stressed.
Ursu emphasized that blood from regular voluntary, unpaid donors remains the safest source, urging sustained investment in public awareness, donor recruitment, quality testing systems, and improved infrastructure.
He also disclosed that WHO is providing technical support for the review of Nigeria’s National Blood Policy, including the integration of emerging practices such as hemovigilance to enhance safety and efficiency.
The WHO representative paid tribute to voluntary blood donors, describing them as “silent heroes” whose selfless contributions save lives daily.
He called on eligible Nigerians, particularly young people, institutions, and faith-based organizations, to actively participate in regular blood donation and help dispel myths surrounding the practice.
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“As we commemorate this day, let us remember that when we give blood, we give far more than a medical resource—we give hope, dignity, and a second chance at life,” Ursu said.
World Blood Donor Day is observed annually on June 14 to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and to appreciate voluntary donors worldwide.
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