Efforts to strengthen voluntary blood donation and improve access to safe blood supplies received renewed attention in Delta State as the Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), with support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), joined the Delta State Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other stakeholders to commemorate World Blood Donor Day 2026.
The initiative, which featured awareness campaigns and blood donation drives across the state’s three senatorial districts, was organised in line with the global observance of World Blood Donor Day, marked annually on June 14. Activities were held on June 16, 2026, under the theme, “One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Lives,” and also launched a month-long blood donation campaign across the state.
The campaign comes amid growing concerns over blood availability and safety. According to the World Health Organization’s 2025 Global Status Report on Blood Safety and Availability, many countries continue to face challenges in maintaining adequate supplies of safe blood, particularly through voluntary and unpaid donations. Access to safe blood remains critical for emergency care, maternal health services and the treatment of conditions such as sickle cell disorder.
As part of the Delta State commemoration, voluntary blood donation exercises were conducted at the State Secretariat Clinic and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, as well as Central Hospital Warri and Central Hospital Ughelli.
Health professionals and stakeholders at the various locations highlighted the importance of voluntary, regular and unpaid blood donation in sustaining blood banks and supporting healthcare delivery.
At Central Hospital Ughelli, members of the hospital’s Blood Transfusion Committee and management acknowledged the role of the Delta State Ministry of Health and supporting organisations in facilitating the exercise.
Speaking during the event, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, underscored the significance of blood donation in healthcare delivery.
“Voluntary blood donation is important for public health emergencies and to save lives during accidents and childbirth. We appreciate the efforts of VCDF and its partners in promoting awareness and supporting initiatives that contribute to healthcare services,” he said.
Participants at the campaign locations reported increased awareness of the importance of blood donation, while several first-time donors indicated a willingness to donate regularly after receiving information about the donation process and its role in saving lives.
Stakeholders also called for sustained public education and community engagement to help address blood shortages and strengthen voluntary donor participation.
The World Blood Donor Day 2026 activities in Delta State highlighted ongoing collaboration between government institutions, healthcare providers, civil society organisations and private sector partners in efforts to improve blood availability and support public health outcomes.
VCDF stated that it would continue to work with healthcare stakeholders and leverage support from Sterling Oil’s corporate social responsibility programmes to promote public health interventions in communities across Nigeria.
