Writing By Falmata Muhammad; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Director-General of the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), Prof. Saleh Yuguda, has unveiled the official theme for the 2026 World Blood Donor Day campaign as adopted by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The campaign slogan, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives,” is aimed at encouraging more people to become regular voluntary blood donors and helping to ensure an adequate supply of safe blood for patients in need.
In a message to stakeholders and partners in the blood transfusion sector, Prof. Yuguda called for increased support for voluntary blood donation initiatives across Nigeria.
He said the campaign seeks to strengthen global efforts toward maintaining a reliable and sustainable blood supply through unpaid voluntary donations.
According to him, the 2026 campaign is designed to raise awareness about the critical role of blood and plasma donation in saving lives while promoting regular blood donation worldwide.
He noted that the campaign will also celebrate the selfless contributions of blood donors and reinforce the values of compassion, solidarity and humanity associated with blood donation.
Prof. Yuguda said the initiative would encourage governments, development agencies and other stakeholders to invest more in national blood services to improve access to safe blood transfusions.
He explained that community participation would be a major focus of this year’s observance, with awareness campaigns extending beyond healthcare facilities to reach communities across the country.
The NBSA boss added that traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and other community stakeholders would be mobilised to promote voluntary blood donation and strengthen public involvement in blood service programmes.
He said the grassroots approach is expected to improve public understanding of blood donation, address misconceptions and help build a dependable pool of voluntary donors to meet national blood requirements.
Observed annually on June 14, World Blood Donor Day honours voluntary blood donors and advocates stronger blood systems capable of meeting the needs of patients requiring transfusions during emergencies, surgeries, childbirth and treatment of various medical conditions.
