The Hospital Transfusion Committee of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, in collaboration with the Aisha Abba Abdullahi Memorial Foundation (3AM), on Saturday organised a blood donation drive at Wuse Market, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Blood Donor Day.
The outreach, themed “One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Lives,” attracted a large number of voluntary donors who participated in the exercise aimed at boosting blood availability for patients requiring lifesaving transfusions.
Speaking during the event, the Chairperson of the FMC Abuja Hospital Transfusion Committee, Dr. Aminah Jaiyeola, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and commended donors for their willingness to support a cause that directly impacts lives.
She described voluntary blood donation as an essential component of healthcare delivery, noting that adequate blood supply is critical for emergency care, surgical procedures, maternal health services, and the treatment of various medical conditions.
“Every unit of blood donated has the potential to save lives. We are encouraged by the response from members of the public and urge more Nigerians to make voluntary blood donation a regular practice,” she said.
Dr. Jaiyeola further stressed the need for sustained public participation in blood donation programmes to help address the persistent demand for safe blood in hospitals across the country.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Aisha Abba Abdullahi Memorial Foundation (3AM), Humaira Huseina Baba-Inna, lauded the longstanding partnership between the foundation and FMC Abuja.
She noted that the hospital has consistently demonstrated commitment to quality healthcare service delivery, which has strengthened collaboration between both organisations over the years.
Baba-Inna called for increased public awareness on the importance of voluntary blood donation, emphasizing that a larger pool of regular donors would significantly reduce blood shortages in healthcare facilities nationwide.
She also advocated stronger collaboration among government institutions, healthcare providers, development partners, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to promote voluntary blood donation and improve access to safe blood for patients.
The exercise witnessed active participation from traders, residents, and visitors at Wuse Market, many of whom voluntarily donated blood in support of the life-saving initiative.
World Blood Donor Day is observed annually to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products while recognising the invaluable contributions of voluntary blood donors to healthcare systems worldwide.
Other organisations that partnered in the blood drive included the Nigerian Cancer Society, LAFAJ Innovations, and the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria.
The organisers expressed optimism that the exercise would contribute to improving blood reserves and encourage a culture of regular voluntary blood donation among Nigerians.