Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has called for strong partnerships to ensure safe and sufficient blood supply for an effective health system in the country.
The VCDF’s Spokesperson, Mr Henry Udenenwu, made the call in a statement on Monday in Asaba.
He said such partnerships were critical to achieving the 2025 World Health Organisation (WHO)’s global status report on blood safety and availability.
Udenenwu said that relevant stakeholders partnered to commemorate World Blood Donor Day 2026 through a series of awareness campaigns and blood donation drives across Delta in support of the state’s healthcare delivery and blood safety initiatives.
”With support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), VCDF partnered with the Delta State Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and other stakeholders to commemorate World Blood Donor Day 2026.
“Voluntary, and unpaid blood donation remain below required levels. Global and national efforts are focused on strengthening blood systems to improve availability for emergency care, maternal health services.
“Also, for the treatment of conditions such as sickle cell disorder, as timely access to safe blood can mean the difference between life and death.
”The activities, held on June 16, 2026 in alignment with the World Blood Donor Day commemorated on June 14, with the theme “One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Lives.”
According to him, the activities took place across the three senatorial districts of the state to herald a month-long blood donation drive.
He said that the campaign raised awareness about the urgent need for voluntary blood donation while encouraging residents to become regular donors.
He noted that 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.
He also noted that 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.
He said that the stakeholders at Central Hospital Ughelli, the hospital’s Blood Transfusion Committee and the management lauded the State Ministry of Health, the Commissioner, Dr Joseph Onojaeme and supporting partners for their contributions to the success of the event.
NAN recalled that the commissioner had stressed that: “voluntary blood donation is important for public health emergencies and to save lives during accidents and childbirth.”
The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Gloria Patrick-Ferife, expressed appreciation to VCDF and partners for the commitment to promote voluntary blood donation and support life-saving healthcare initiatives.
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 organisation 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.
The World Blood Donor Day 2026 commemoration in Delta underscored the importance of collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector in addressing critical public health challenges.
