… promotes voluntary, regular blood donation to boost healthcare delivery in Delta state
Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Health and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has launched a statewide sensitisation campaign across Delta’s three senatorial districts to mark World Blood Donor Day 2026.
The June 16 initiative, aligned with the global observance on June 14 and themed “One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Lives,” signals the commencement of a month-long voluntary, regular, and unpaid blood donation drive aimed at strengthening healthcare outcomes.
The initiative was further reinforced through coordinated stakeholder engagement, featuring a series of awareness campaigns and blood donation drives across Delta State, aimed at supporting the state’s healthcare delivery system and strengthening blood safety outcomes.
This aligns with findings from the World Health Organization’s 2025 Global Status Report on Blood Safety and Availability, which underscores safe and sufficient blood supply as a critical pillar of an effective health system, while noting that voluntary and unpaid blood donations remain below required levels in many settings.
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.
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 Honourable Commissioner for Health and supporting partners for their contributions to the success of the event.
Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, Commissioner, Delta State Ministry of Health, in a goodwill message 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,” the Commissioner said.
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.
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.
