Medical practitioners have called for targeted incentives to combat the low rates of voluntary blood donations..
The practitioners made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lokoja to commemorate the 2026 World Blood Donor Day.
A pharmacist at the Kogi Specialist Hospital, Samuel Omale, described the day as an opportunity to celebrate voluntary blood donors for their contributions to saving lives.
Omale, who is the head of the hospital’s Pharmacovigilance Department, said June 14 was set aside globally to recognise blood donors and promote voluntary blood donation.
According to him, the 2026 theme, *”One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Lives,”* highlights the critical role donors play in healthcare delivery.
He said individuals who donate blood voluntarily without receiving payment demonstrate compassion and solidarity with humanity.
“They make blood available in difficult and emergency situations such as childbirth complications, cancer treatment and other life-threatening conditions,” he said.
Also speaking, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the hospital, Dr Jimmy Idama, emphasised the importance of regular blood donation.
“Blood donation should be encouraged because it saves lives. The need for blood cannot be overemphasised.
“When we look at road traffic accidents, childbirth and surgical procedures, we realise how vital blood is to patient survival,” he said.
Idama called for measures to motivate more people to embrace voluntary blood donation, including the introduction of incentives for donors.
According to him, incentives should focus on making donors feel appreciated for their contribution to saving lives.
He however, cautioned that adequate measures should be put in place to prevent possible abuse of any incentive-based system.
The medical practitioner advised eligible individuals to donate blood regularly, noting that annual donation was beneficial to both donors and recipients.
