Founder of Doubleyou Centre, Mr. Israel Yabkwa, has raised concern over the persistent shortage of blood in Nigeria, describing it as a nationwide challenge affecting maternal healthcare, accident victims, surgeries, and emergency medical services.
Yabkwa made the disclosure during the 2026 National Blood Drive held across the country, noting that the initiative was designed to tackle the shortage through large-scale voluntary donor mobilisation in communities nationwide.
“Blood shortage remains a major challenge in Nigeria, affecting maternal care, accident victims, surgeries, and emergency medical response.
“This initiative is designed to address this challenge through large-scale voluntary donor mobilization across communities nationwide,” he said.
According to him, the nationwide exercise was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other healthcare stakeholders to ensure safe blood collection, proper donor screening, and strict medical supervision throughout the process.
He explained that the 2026 National Blood Drive is a coordinated humanitarian intervention aimed at boosting the availability of safe blood for hospitals, emergency units, and healthcare facilities across Nigeria.
Yabkwa, further, stated that the long-term vision of Doubleyou Centre is to promote a nationwide culture of voluntary blood donation capable of saving lives and strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The 2026 edition, he said, was designed as a simultaneous nationwide exercise across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with designated collection and mobilisation centres located in universities and other tertiary institutions, churches, faith-based organisations, youth groups, volunteer networks, and community outreach centres.
He also called on individuals, organisations, and institutions to support the initiative through active mobilisation, awareness campaigns, and volunteer participation.
Yabkwa urged partners to encourage participation within their networks and communities, while also supporting awareness efforts aimed at promoting voluntary blood donation across the country.
He emphasised that sustained collaboration and public participation remain critical to addressing Nigeria’s blood shortage and improving emergency healthcare response nationwide.
