Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — On June 14, 2026, Ethiopia commemorated World Blood Donor Day under the theme “A Humane Act Saves a Life and Restores Light, “highlighting the critical role of blood donation in saving countless lives.
The event, held at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, brought together blood donors, donor clubs, families of cornea donors, health professionals, government officials, and community representatives to honor the selfless contributions of individuals who have given the gift of life.
The day’s celebrations showcased the profound impact of blood donation on individuals and communities, with stories shared of mothers surviving childbirth, children overcoming severe anemia, and individuals regaining their sight through cornea donations. Dr. Bejoy Nambiar, Health Systems and Services Lead at WHO Ethiopia, emphasized the significance of blood donation as a symbol of human solidarity, noting that “one person gives, and another person lives.
Officials commented on the matter. Give Blood. Save Lives “emphasizing the importance of every donation as an expression of solidarity, compassion, and collective responsibility.
The country has made remarkable progress in building a modern blood service, with nearly 99 percent of all blood donations coming from voluntary, non-remunerated donors.
The Ethiopian Blood and Tissue Bank Service (EBTBS) collects over 420,000 units of blood annually, a testament to the generosity of the Ethiopian people.
The event also recognized the efforts of families who consented to cornea donation, providing recipients with the priceless gift of sight. Despite the progress, challenges remain in ensuring access to safe blood, particularly in low- and middle-income settings.
The Ethiopian government and its partners are committed to promoting blood donation as a vital part of public health and ensuring that every person has access to safe blood when needed.
As the day concluded, it was clear that the act of donating blood is more than a medical procedure; it is a reflection of the human spirit and an act of humanity that transcends borders and cultures.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: World Health Organization
