The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised Nigeria for recording significant progress in blood donation efforts, while calling for increased voluntary donations to meet global standards for safe and adequate blood supply.
Speaking during the commemoration of the 2026 World Blood Donor Day in Abuja, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Chavan Lamikant, described access to safe blood and blood products as vital to building a resilient healthcare system and achieving universal health coverage.
He noted that thousands of Nigerians depend on blood transfusions daily, including women with childbirth complications, children suffering from severe malaria and anaemia, accident victims, surgical patients and individuals living with chronic illnesses.
According to him, WHO recommends a minimum of 10 blood donations per 1,000 people, stressing that Nigeria has made encouraging progress, with blood donations doubling within the last two years.
Dr. Lamikant, however, urged the country to intensify efforts toward promoting regular, voluntary and unpaid blood donation, which he described as the safest and most sustainable source of blood supply.
He also paid tribute to voluntary blood donors across the country, describing them as “silent heroes” whose contributions save lives daily. He further called on youths, religious institutions, communities and the media to help dispel misconceptions surrounding blood donation.
In a statement delivered on behalf of the Director-General of the National Blood Service Agency, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, by Dr. Sani Abubakar, the agency highlighted achievements recorded in strengthening blood transfusion services nationwide.
The agency stated that the national blood collection pool almost doubled between 2024 and 2025, attributing the growth to improved policies, strategic partnerships and the dedication of its personnel across the country.
The NBSA also announced the approval of the National Blood Management System by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The initiative is expected to digitise blood centres and hospitals nationwide, enabling easier electronic access to blood donation and transfusion services.
Officials said the digital platform would allow donors, healthcare workers and patients to access blood-related information and services through mobile devices and other digital platforms.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Bunmi Amoo and Nurse Shalom Edeh stressed the need for greater public participation in voluntary blood donation, noting that many hospitals still face shortages of safe blood.
They commended ongoing collaborations with the National Blood Service Agency, including initiatives such as the Secondary School Blood Safety Club Programme aimed at educating young people on the importance of blood donation.
A major highlight of the event was the recognition of outstanding blood donors. Amina Giwa was honoured as the highest blood donor of the year after donating blood 40 times.
Observed annually on June 14, World Blood Donor Day celebrates voluntary blood donors globally and raises awareness on the importance of safe blood supplies.
The 2026 celebration, themed “One Drop of Humanity, Give Blood, Save Lives,” brought together government officials, healthcare experts, development partners, civil society groups and blood donors, all advocating improved blood transfusion services and increased voluntary blood donations across Nigeria.