The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomole, has called on residents, community leaders, faith-based organisations, corporate bodies and media practitioners to embrace and promote regular blood donation, describing it as a civic responsibility that should become part of the culture of society.
Dr. Oshiomole made the appeal during a press conference held at the Ministry of Health Conference Room in Benin City as part of activities marking the 2026 World Blood Donor Day, themed “One Drop of Humanity, Give Blood, Save Lives.”
Addressing stakeholders and blood donors, the commissioner highlighted the critical role of voluntary blood donation in saving lives and supporting healthcare delivery across the state.
According to him, hospitals rely on adequate blood supplies daily to manage emergencies, conduct surgical procedures, provide maternal healthcare services, support cancer treatment and cater to patients living with chronic illnesses.
“Every day, hospitals require blood to support emergency care, surgical procedures, maternal health services, cancer treatment, and the management of chronic illnesses. The availability of safe blood is therefore a critical component of a functional healthcare system,” he said.
Oshiomole reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government to strengthening blood transfusion services across the state to ensure the availability of safe and sufficient blood for patients in need.
He stressed that blood safety remains a top priority, noting that all donated blood must undergo rigorous laboratory screening before transfusion. He added that the ministry would continue to support quality testing procedures, including Antigen ELISA testing, to detect transfusion-transmissible infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis.
The commissioner underscored the importance of voluntary blood donation with key messages aimed at encouraging public participation.
“One blood donation can save up to three lives. Safe blood depends on voluntary blood donors, and blood cannot be manufactured; it can only come from donors,” he stated.
He further urged residents to make blood donation a regular practice rather than an occasional event.
“Together, through voluntary blood donation and quality-assured blood screening, we can build a safer, healthier and more resilient healthcare system for the people of Edo State. Let us make blood donation a culture, not just an event,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Director of Medical Laboratory Services, Mr. Odior Joshua, commended stakeholders for their support in commemorating World Blood Donor Day.
Joshua explained that the annual event is dedicated to recognising the contributions of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors while creating awareness on strategies to increase safe blood donations and improve blood transfusion services.
He noted that the Ministry of Health remains committed to implementing policies aimed at protecting residents from infectious and non-communicable diseases and ensuring access to safe healthcare services.
According to him, activities marking the celebration include collaboration with the National Blood Service Agency and visits to selected healthcare facilities to strengthen local blood banking systems and promote the adoption of reliable blood-testing technologies.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul Eighemwenrio; Director of Family Health, Dr. David Odiko; Director of Public Health, Dr. Stephenson Ojiefo; Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs. Ativie Afeh; Director of DPRS, Mrs. Lauretta Iruobe; Director of Medical Services, Dr. Edward Aisowieren; and representatives of other departments within the ministry.
