Saving Lives: VCDF, LSBTS and Sterling Oil Two-Day Blood Donation Campaign Mobilises 550 Pints in Lagos as Nigeria Faces Blood Supply Gap

A two-day voluntary blood donation campaign organised by Vcare for Development Foundation in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service and supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited has mobilised 550 pints of blood in Lagos, strengthening efforts to address Nigeria’s critical blood supply shortfall.

The exercise, held on February 6 and 7, 2026, represents the highest volume recorded since the initiative began in 2022 and underscores growing momentum to strengthen voluntary blood donation in Lagos. The campaign, implemented with support from the Nigerian Red Cross Society Lagos Chapter, comes amid persistent national shortages that continue to threaten emergency care, maternal health, and treatment outcomes for patients requiring urgent transfusion.

Nigeria requires an estimated 1.8 to 2 million units of blood annually but meets only about 25 to 30 percent of national demand, according to health authorities. The shortfall continues to affect critical areas of care, including maternal health, emergency response, surgical procedures, and treatment for conditions such as sickle cell disorder, where timely access to blood transfusion can be lifesaving.

This latest drive builds on steady growth in participation over the past four years, reflecting increased awareness and public willingness to donate. Since the programme’s inception in 2022, cumulative collections have reached 1,404 donors, rising from 98 donors in its first year to 147 in 2023, 268 in 2024, and 341 in 2025. The initiative previously earned VCDF the Blood Donation Champion Award from LSBTS in recognition of its sustained contribution to strengthening voluntary blood donation in Lagos State. This achievement, says VCDF, can be directly linked to the commitment of Seepco’s volunteers and blood donors.

Health officials and programme coordinators attribute the increase to expanded awareness campaigns, community engagement activities, and targeted communication designed to address common misconceptions and concerns about blood donation. These efforts have focused on improving public understanding of the safety, health benefits, and societal importance of voluntary donation.

Participants described how awareness, personal experience, and proper medical guidance helped overcome longstanding fears and misconceptions about blood donation. Vivian, now a repeat donor, said education played a decisive role in changing her perception.

“Although I had myths that discouraged me from donating earlier, but these have been corrected by awareness, confidence, and voluntary participation. Thanks to the intense awareness activities. I am a third time donor,” she said.

 

Others cited direct personal connections to medical emergencies. Noah explained that his motivation stemmed from his wife’s survival during childbirth complications.

“I voluntarily donated because my wife has benefitted from blood donation when she lost so much blood during childbirth. I appreciate the practical guidance provided to blood donors to ensure safe and healthy donation practices,” he said.

For first-time donor Ismail, the experience reinforced confidence in the process and its life-saving value.

“I felt fulfilled after donating blood because I was encouraged by the right information, and guidelines. I appreciate the care I received which made my experience smooth and memorable as a first-time donor,” he said.

The Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, which oversees blood safety and supply coordination in the state, continues to emphasise voluntary, non-remunerated donation as the safest and most sustainable source of blood. Public health experts note that expanding the voluntary donor base is critical to ensuring timely access to safe blood and improving survival outcomes in emergencies.

Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited has supported the initiative as part of its broader corporate social responsibility engagement, working with VCDF and health partners to facilitate outreach, awareness, and donor mobilisation. The company has also participated in healthcare outreach programmes across its operational areas, including medical camps providing consultations, basic laboratory testing, and treatment for common health conditions.

Public health stakeholders say sustained collaboration among civil society organisations, health agencies, and private sector partners remains essential to strengthening Nigeria’s blood donation ecosystem. Increasing voluntary donation rates is seen as a key step toward reducing preventable deaths linked to blood shortages and improving overall healthcare system resilience.

Continued awareness, community engagement, and institutional support, according to organizers of the campaign, remain necessary to maintain momentum and build a more reliable and sustainable blood supply for hospitals and patients across Lagos and Nigeria.