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Safe blood saves lives: VCDF, Delta, partners mark World Blood Donor Day – EnviroNews
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The 2025 World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Global Status Report on Blood Safety and Availability highlights safe and sufficient blood supply as a key component of an effective health system. Voluntary, and unpaid blood donation are below required levels.
Global and national efforts are focused on strengthening blood systems to improve availability for emergency care, maternal health services, and the treatment of conditions such as sickle cell disorder, as timely access to safe blood can mean the difference between life and death.
In response, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), with support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), partnered with the Delta State Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and other stakeholders to commemorate World Blood Donor Day 2026 through a series of awareness campaigns and blood donation drives across Delta State, in support of the state’s healthcare delivery and blood safety initiatives.
The activities, held on June 16, 2026, in alignment with the World Blood Donor Day commemorated on June 14, 2026, with the theme “One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Lives.” It took place across the three senatorial districts of Delta State to herald a one month-long blood donation drive.
The campaign raised awareness about the urgent need for voluntary blood donation while encouraging residents to become regular donors.
As part of the commemoration, voluntary blood donation drives were conducted at the State Secretariat Clinic and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, as well as Central Hospital Warri and Central Hospital, Ughelli.
Throughout the campaign, stakeholders emphasised that voluntary, regular and unpaid blood donation remains the most sustainable way to maintain an adequate blood supply for healthcare facilities and save lives.
At Central Hospital Ughelli, the hospital’s Blood Transfusion Committee and management commended the Delta State Ministry of Health, the Commissioner for Health and supporting partners for their contributions to the success of the event.
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner, Delta State Ministry of Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said: “Voluntary blood donation is important for public health emergencies and to save lives during accidents and childbirth. We are deeply grateful to VCDF and partners for the commitment to promote voluntary blood donation and support life-saving healthcare initiatives.”
Several participants reported increased awareness among community members, while many first-time donors expressed willingness to become regular donors after receiving information about the safety, benefits and impact of blood donation.
Stakeholders at the event reiterated the need for sustained public engagement, noting that every blood donation has the potential to save multiple lives. The campaign recorded strong community participation across the various activity locations.
The World Blood Donor Day 2026 commemoration in Delta State underscored the importance of collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector in addressing critical public health challenges.
Vcare for Development Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to leverage SEEPCO’s corporate social responsibility investments and work in collaboration with government and healthcare stakeholders for the best public health outcomes across communities in Nigeria.
