The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Haima Health, Bukola Bolarinwa, has called for increased investment in blood donation systems and stronger public awareness campaigns to address persistent shortages of safe blood in Nigeria.
World Blood Donor Day 2026 Statement
In a press statement marking World Blood Donor Day 2026, Bolarinwa noted that Nigeria remains below the benchmark recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which advises countries to collect blood equivalent to at least one percent of their population annually. According to her, the shortage of safe blood continues to endanger the lives of mothers experiencing childbirth complications, people living with sickle cell disease, accident victims, cancer patients, and individuals undergoing emergency surgeries.
Challenges Limiting Blood Supply
She identified misconceptions about blood donation, cultural beliefs discouraging first-time donors, and inadequate blood collection infrastructure, particularly in rural communities, as major challenges limiting blood supply. Bolarinwa stressed that addressing these gaps would require sustained investment in blood donation systems, improved donor retention programmes, expanded donation opportunities, and stronger collaboration among government agencies, healthcare institutions, and the private sector.
“Safe blood should not depend on chance, personal networks, or emergency appeals. It should be available whenever and wherever it is needed,” she said.
Haima Health's Contributions
Bolarinwa stated that Haima Health has, over the past decade, mobilised blood donors across Nigeria through community blood drives, pop-up donation centres, and institutional partnerships, resulting in the collection of thousands of units of blood. She added that the organisation works closely with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC), the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), universities, non-governmental organisations, and faith-based groups to expand access to voluntary blood donation.
Appreciation and Call to Action
The Haima Health founder commended donors, volunteers, healthcare workers, and partner organisations for their contributions to improving blood availability in the country. She particularly praised students, professionals, community members, and first-time donors who continue to support blood donation efforts despite prevailing challenges. While acknowledging progress recorded in recent years, Bolarinwa said many Nigerians still struggle to access safe blood when needed, making the issue a matter of life and death for many families.
She urged eligible Nigerians to become regular voluntary blood donors and called on stakeholders to support institutions working to improve access to safe blood nationwide. According to her, every blood donation offers hope to patients, comfort to families, and another chance at life for those in critical need of transfusions.
