World Blood Donor Day Observed at National Level

Asmara, 13 June 2026 – World Blood Donor Day, 14 June, was observed at the national level at the National Union of Eritrean Women Hall in Asmara today under the theme “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.” The event was organized in collaboration between the National Blood Transfusion Service and the National Voluntary Blood Donors Association.

Mr. Bereket Mosasgi, Secretary of the National Voluntary Blood Donors Association, stated that the day is an occasion to honor voluntary blood donors for their initiative in voluntarily donating blood with a view to saving lives through their renewable blood, as well as to encourage other citizens to participate in the noble initiative.

Dr. Yohannes Tekeste, Medical Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service, said that the main objective of the National Blood Transfusion Service is to collect safe and adequate blood, distribute it to all hospitals across the country, and reduce disability and death that could occur due to lack of blood. He also indicated that, as a result of increased public awareness, over 15 thousand units of blood are collected annually.

Mr. Eyob Frezgi, representing the World Health Organization, said that the number of blood donations, which was about 2.2 million units in 2000, increased to 7 million units in 2023, attesting to growing awareness.

Ms. Alem Belai, head of the National Union of Eritrean Women in the Central Region, gave a briefing on women’s participation in voluntary blood donation.

At the event, certificates of recognition were awarded to exemplary blood donors, and awards were presented to winners of the general knowledge competition.

World Blood Donor Day is being observed for the 21st time at the national and international levels.

In the same vein, a promotional program was organized for religious leaders in Adi-Keih sub-zone in connection with World Blood Donor Day, aimed at enriching blood supply in health facilities.

At the event, Mr. Kiros Gebremariam, chairman of the Voluntary Blood Donors Association in the sub-zone, underlining the importance of voluntarily donating blood to save lives, called on religious leaders to play their influential role.

The participants expressed readiness to play their due part in the effort.