UN staff strengthen voluntary blood donation in Nigeria

Abuja - At the United Nations (UN) offices in Abuja, a small line of staff waited quietly. Some checked their phones. Others talked softly. One by one, they rolled up their sleeves to donate blood. They did not know who would receive it. What they knew was simple: someone, somewhere, would need it to live.

This year, staff members donated blood during the annual drive organized by the United Nations Clinic, World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Blood Service Commission. The event marked World Blood Donor Day. It was not just a routine activity. It was a deliberate act of leadership.

By stepping forward, UN staff showed what it means to put people first. They turned the values of the United Nations and WHO into action. These values include solidarity, service, integrity and a strong commitment to equity in health. In practice, it means showing up when it matters and taking responsibility for the health of others, even when you do not know them.

Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria, joined colleagues in donating blood. His participation sent a clear signal.

"Safe blood is a critical part of health care," he said. "By donating today, we are helping to ensure that patients facing emergencies can access lifesaving transfusions. I encourage everyone who is eligible, to donate blood regularly."

The act itself takes less than 15 minutes. The impact can last much longer. One unit of blood can help save up to three lives. The 23 units collected during the drive could support many patients. These include women with complications during childbirth, children with severe anaemia and victims of road traffic crashes.

For Jubril Kareem, the decision to donate was personal.

"Knowing that my donation could help someone survive an emergency made it easy to take part," he said. "It is a small thing to do, but it can change everything for someone else."
Nabila Hassan, who donates regularly, sees it as a shared duty.

"We may never meet the people who receive our blood," she said. "But that does not reduce its value. It is one of the simplest ways to help others."

Their comments point to a simple fact: behind every unit of blood is a person making a choice to care.

Across Nigeria, that choice is urgently needed. Demand for safe blood remains high. Many hospitals still face shortages, especially in emergencies. This affects patients who need urgent surgery, cancer care or treatment for severe bleeding. It also affects women during pregnancy and childbirth, and children with conditions such as malaria-related anaemia.

As of 2024, Nigeria reported the collection of 371 827 units of blood, far below the national need of 1.8 - 2 million units. Expanding voluntary, unpaid donation is one of the safest and most reliable ways to close this gap.

This is where leadership matters. When institutions act, people notice. When leaders participate, it builds trust. The UN blood donation drive shows how organizations can help shape behaviour, not just policy.

The National Blood Service Commission welcomed the initiative. It described it as a strong example of partnership and public service.

"The voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation by UN staff is a powerful act of humanity and a meaningful way of giving back.

Nigerians should see this as a call to action. Such initiatives increase the supply of safe blood and promote a culture of regular donation that can save countless lives," said Peter Olayemi Ehigie, Assistant Chief, Science Laboratory, who led the National Blood Service Commission team.

WHO continues to support Nigeria to strengthen access to safe blood through technical guidance, advocacy and partnerships. This work is part of a broader effort to build resilient health systems and ensure equitable access to essential services.

But systems do not change on their own. They depend on people.

The annual UN blood drive, now in its fifth year, has brought together nearly 200 donations. Each one is a sign that change is possible. Each one helps build a culture where giving blood becomes normal, not rare.

Still, more is needed.

For many Nigerians, donating blood is not yet a regular habit. Some lack information. Others face barriers such as access or fear. These realities need to be better understood and addressed.

"I am alive because someone donated blood," said Fiyin. "At that moment, we did not know who the donor was, but that decision gave me another chance."

The message from this year's drive is clear. Saving lives does not always require complex solutions. Sometimes, it starts with a simple decision.

Anyone who is healthy and eligible can donate blood through National Blood Service Commission centres and approved hospitals across the country. Regular donation, not one-time participation, is what builds a stable and safe supply.

By leading through action, UN staff have set a standard. They have shown that values are not just words. They are choices people make every day.

The question now is whether others will follow.