World Blood Donor Day: WHO raises alarm over blood shortage in Africa

By Chioma Obinna

On this year’s World Blood Donor Day, the World Health Organisation, (WHO) on Wednesday raised concerns over persistent shortages in blood supply across the African Region, warning that millions of patients remain at risk due to inadequate access to safe blood and blood products.

In a message to commemorate the 2026 World Blood Donor Day, themed: “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives,” the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi said although countries in the region had recorded notable progress in blood donation over the years, demand for safe blood continues to outpace supply.

The Regional Director noted that blood donations in Africa increased from about 2.2 million in the early 2000s to nearly seven million in 2023, while the proportion of voluntary unpaid donors has also improved significantly.

“Close to seven out of every 10 blood donations now come from people who donate freely without payment,” Janabi stated.

He, however, warned that the region still records an average of only six blood donations per 1,000 people, far below the level required to meet basic healthcare needs.

He said: “This gap remains a major barrier to delivering equitable healthcare and responding effectively to emergencies.”

He emphasised the life-saving importance of voluntary blood donation and called on governments, health institutions and citizens to strengthen support for national blood programmes.

According to WHO, thousands of patients across the region depend daily on blood transfusions, including women facing childbirth complications, children suffering severe malaria and anaemia, accident victims and patients living with chronic illnesses.

“For each of them, safe blood is not optional, it is essential to survival.”

The organisation paid tribute to voluntary blood donors, describing them as silent heroes whose generosity continues to save lives and strengthen communities.

“Every blood donation reflects the essence of our common humanity, solidarity, compassion and care for one another.”

The WHO also expressed concern over persistent challenges confronting blood services in many African countries, including inadequate infrastructure, shortage of regular voluntary donors, weak funding, misinformation and cultural beliefs discouraging blood donation.

In some countries, WHO noted, reliance on family replacement and paid donors still persists, raising concerns over both availability and safety of blood supplies.

The organisation further warned that infections such as HIV and hepatitis B remain present among some blood donors, underscoring the need for stronger screening systems and quality assurance mechanisms.

“Ensuring safety is equally critical. While most countries screen donated blood for infections such as HIV, hepatitis and syphilis, not all systems achieve full coverage for every infection.”

WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting African countries in strengthening national blood systems through policy support, improved regulation, workforce development and enhanced access to safe blood services.

The organisation urged governments to prioritise investments in national blood programmes while encouraging eligible citizens to donate blood regularly.

“Because when we give blood, we give more than a medical resource, we give hope, dignity and the promise of a healthier future for all. One drop of humanity can save a life, strengthen a community and inspire hope.”

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