Abuja, 16 June, 2021 - Nigerians are encouraged to become voluntary non-remunerated blood donors, as data indicate that less than 5% of all blood donation in Nigeria come from voluntary unpaid donors. 

Speaking at a Press briefing to mark 2021 World Blood Donor Day in Abuja, with the theme, “Give blood and keep the world-beating”, Nigeria’s Minister of Health highlighted the essential contribution that voluntary unpaid blood donation makes, to keep the world pulsating by saving more lives and improving others’ health.

The Ministry of Health with support from Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) partners including WHO, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and other health implementing partners have completed a pre-emptive yellow fever vaccination campaign.

Abuja, 15 June, 2021 - "I am a regular blood donor. I usually donate blood at least three times a year. However, in 2020, I donated once - in February - due to the pandemic and lockdown. During the lockdown, I received several reminders from the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) Abuja, where I usually donate, but the fear of covid-19 prevented me from donating. However, I plan to resume donating again”, says Adebowale Adedigba, a voluntary non-remunerated blood donor. 

The Minister of Finance presented the 2021-22 Budget on Friday last after yet another year of unprecedented events.  The country announced important budgetary health measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, protect its population while boosting up the economy and growth. 

Every year, on the 14th of June, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The event serves as a platform to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gift of blood. It is also used to raise awareness of the need for regular blood donations to ensure the quality, safety and availability of blood and blood products for patients in need.

Kigali, 5 June 2021 – It was only two years ago, on 1 May 2019, that Dr. Kasonde Mwinga was appointed as the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Rwanda. Today Dr. Kasonde passes on the torch to the Incoming Acting WHO Rwanda Country Representative Dr. Ndoungou Salla Ba. 

Diabetic, Hypertensive and suffering from Ulcers, 69 years old Adwoa Afrakoma, a resident of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region reflects on an emotional journey filled with anxiety and uncertainty, from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to receiving a second dose of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine. Auntie Adwoa’s face beams with smiles and optimism as she sits for a few minutes under observation after taking her jab.