World Blood Donor Day: WHO Warns of Growing Blood Shortage in Africa

By Chioma Obinna

On World Blood Donor Day 2026, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a warning about ongoing blood shortages across the African Region, stating that millions of patients remain at risk because they cannot access safe blood and blood products.

In a message marking the day, themed “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives,” WHO Regional Director for Africa, Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, noted that although many countries have made progress in blood donation, the demand for safe blood still exceeds the supply.

Janabi highlighted that blood donations in Africa rose from about 2.2 million in the early 2000s to nearly seven million in 2023, and that the share of voluntary unpaid donors has also grown substantially.

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

He cautioned that the region averages only six blood donations per 1,000 people, a figure far below what is needed to meet basic healthcare demands.

“This gap remains a major barrier to delivering equitable healthcare and responding effectively to emergencies,” he added.

Janabi stressed the life‑saving importance of voluntary blood donation and urged governments, health institutions and citizens to strengthen support for national blood programmes.

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

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

The WHO 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,” it added.

WHO also expressed concern over persistent challenges faced by blood services in many African countries, such as inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of regular voluntary donors, weak funding, misinformation and cultural beliefs that discourage donation.

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

The organisation 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 said.

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,” the WHO concluded.

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