Akure, June 18, 2026 – The Ondo State Government has called on residents to embrace voluntary and regular blood donation as a vital contribution to improving healthcare delivery and saving lives across the state.
The appeal was made on Thursday during activities marking the 2026 World Blood Donor Day celebration in Akure, where health officials stressed the need for increased public participation in blood donation programmes.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Laboratory Services in the state Ministry of Health, Mrs Bantale Adedotun-Banjo, highlighted the critical role blood donation plays in medical emergencies and treatment of various health conditions. She explained that a single unit of donated blood could benefit up to three patients through the use of its different components.
Adedotun-Banjo commended APIN, a public health development partner, for its sustained support and collaboration with the ministry, noting that the partnership had strengthened efforts aimed at improving healthcare outcomes and preserving lives.
According to her, blood donors provide hope to patients battling severe medical conditions while contributing significantly to the overall wellbeing of society. She, however, expressed concern that the demand for blood continues to surpass available supplies, emphasising that voluntary, unpaid and regular donations remain the safest and most reliable means of maintaining adequate blood reserves.
Also speaking, APIN Public Health Initiatives Prevention Lead, Miss Adijat Suraju, said awareness campaigns had contributed to a steady rise in the number of blood donors in the state over the years.
She described blood donation as a humanitarian gesture capable of making a direct difference in the lives of patients requiring emergency care, surgeries, cancer treatment and other critical medical interventions.
Suraju noted that although donor numbers had improved compared to previous years, more efforts were needed to meet growing healthcare demands. She expressed optimism that ongoing awareness activities would attract even more donors in the future.
She explained that readily available blood supplies in hospitals reduce delays during emergencies, eliminating the need for frantic searches for compatible donors when urgent transfusions are required.
The public health expert further urged residents to maintain healthy eating habits and consume balanced diets to remain fit and eligible for blood donation whenever the need arises.
The event also served as a platform to raise awareness on the importance of sustaining an adequate blood supply to support emergency response and routine healthcare services across the state.