The appeal coincides with the observance of World Blood Donor Day 2026, which highlights the role of voluntary blood donation in supporting healthcare systems and saving lives. The call was made in a statement issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) ahead of the global observance, marked under the theme: “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.” 

The statement said blood remained indispensable to healthcare delivery, supporting emergency treatment, surgical procedures, maternal care, cancer treatment and the management of a range of medical conditions. It noted that despite advances in medical science, blood could not be manufactured artificially and remained dependent on donations from eligible individuals.

Health professionals said many healthcare facilities continued to face challenges in maintaining adequate blood stocks, making regular voluntary donations essential to ensuring timely treatment for patients. “Every day, hospitals require blood to treat accident victims, mothers experiencing complications during childbirth, children with severe anaemia and patients undergoing major surgical procedures,” a health official said. 

Experts said a single blood donation could benefit more than one patient, underscoring the wider public health value of voluntary blood donation. The statement urged healthy individuals who met the required criteria to participate in national blood collection efforts and help maintain a stable and reliable blood supply throughout the year. It advised prospective donors to drink sufficient water, eat nutritious meals and comply with guidance provided by blood collection centres before donating. 

Marking World Blood Donor Day, health authorities paid tribute to voluntary donors whose contributions continue to support patient care and strengthen healthcare systems worldwide. They also called on communities, educational institutions, faith-based organisations and corporate bodies to promote regular blood donation as a civic responsibility. 

The authorities said every unit of donated blood could provide a critical lifeline for patients requiring urgent medical care and offered hope to affected families.