Voluntary blood donation can save lives, NOA says, as it marks World Blood Donor Day and encourages Nigerians to support blood banks

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to embrace Voluntary Blood Donation as a vital way of saving lives and strengthening healthcare delivery across the country.

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The appeal was made on Sunday by the Director of the agency in Jigawa State, Ahmad Tijjani, in a message marking the 2026 World Blood Donor Day.

World Blood Donor Day is observed annually on June 14 to recognise and appreciate voluntary blood donors whose contributions help sustain healthcare systems and save lives worldwide.

This year’s theme, “Twenty Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You Blood Donors,” highlights two decades of promoting safe and voluntary blood donation across the globe.

Tijjani stressed that every unit of blood donated could make a critical difference for patients facing emergencies, surgeries, childbirth complications and chronic illnesses.

“Blood donation is a life-saving act of solidarity. Every unit of blood donated helps patients facing emergencies, surgeries, childbirth complications and chronic illnesses,” he said.

According to him, Voluntary Blood Donation provides essential support for accident victims, surgical patients and women experiencing complications during childbirth.

He added that donated blood also plays a crucial role in the treatment of people living with sickle cell disease, cancer and other serious medical conditions requiring regular transfusions.

“Nigerians are reminded that voluntary blood donation is a gift of life that strengthens communities and saves millions worldwide,” Tijjani stated.

The NOA director noted that safe blood donations often inspire family members, friends and colleagues to participate, helping to expand the pool of available donors and improve access to life-saving blood supplies.

He encouraged prospective donors to maintain proper nutrition and hydration before donating blood to ensure their wellbeing and the quality of donations.

Tijjani further urged Nigerians to seek accurate information about blood donation from credible health authorities and to support efforts aimed at improving community health systems.

“NOA urges Nigerians to take responsibility, volunteer to donate blood and save lives, seek accurate information and learn from trusted health sources, promote healthy living, encourage wellness and safe practices, support blood banks and strengthen community health systems,” he said.

The agency reiterated its commitment to creating awareness about the importance of regular and safe blood donation as part of broader efforts to improve public health outcomes.

Health experts have consistently emphasised the need for increased Voluntary Blood Donation to address shortages in blood supplies and ensure timely access for patients requiring transfusions.

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As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Blood Donor Day, the NOA said greater public participation in blood donation would help save more lives and build a stronger culture of shared responsibility and community support.