World Health Organization · Regional Office for Africa
World Blood Donor Day 2026
“One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.”
Every 14 June, the world thanks voluntary, unpaid blood donors — and renews its commitment to safe blood for everyone, everywhere.
What
World Blood Donor Day
Thanking donors, calling for safe blood for all.
When
14 June 2026
AFRO blood drive: Friday 12 June, 07:30–15:00.
Where
WHO Regional Office for Africa
Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
Who
HSS Cluster & partners
AFRO Clinic, Staff Association, RD's Office, NBTS.
Why it matters
A lifeline that touches every part of health care
Blood transfusions save lives every day — in childbirth complications, severe childhood anaemia, surgery, emergencies, and lifelong care for conditions such as sickle-cell disease. Plasma also becomes essential medicines for bleeding disorders, infections and cancers. Yet many countries still face shortages, and timely access to safe blood depends on strong donor programmes and broad community participation.
This year's slogan places humanity at the heart of every donation: more than a medical act, giving blood is an act of compassion, solidarity and care — every donation helps form a lifeline that protects us all.
Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi
WHO Regional Director for Africa
Message from the Regional Director
One drop of humanity can save a life
One drop of humanity can save a life, strengthen a community, and inspire hope. Together, let us act.
Today, we join the global community in commemorating World Blood Donor Day, a moment to honour the generosity of blood donors and reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure access to safe blood for all who need it.
This year's theme, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives,” captures a simple but powerful truth: every blood donation reflects the essence of our common humanity, solidarity, compassion, and care for one another.
The movement in action
Ordinary people, extraordinary generosity
Voluntary blood donors at a WHO-supported blood drive — every drop counts.
Get involved
The Drop Your Drop movement
Pledge to give blood and symbolically “add your drop” to a growing global movement. Together with seven others, your promise shapes a collective drop — a simple act that strengthens safe, sustainable blood supplies worldwide.
Scan to pledge
Point your camera at the code to pledge your drop.
What we hope to achieve
Objectives of the 2026 campaign
Grow regular voluntary donation
Sustained growth in voluntary unpaid donation, for equitable access to safe blood.
Inspire a new generation of donors
Raise awareness of the life-saving impact of blood and plasma donations.
Honour donors and shared values
Celebrate donors' vital contribution, and the values of solidarity and humanity.
Mobilize governments and partners
Invest in national blood programmes, towards universal access to safe transfusion.
How to take part
The blood drive at WHO/AFRO
Hosted by the HSS Cluster with the AFRO Clinic, the Staff Association and the RD's Office — walk in, roll up a sleeve, save lives.
Mark your calendar
Friday 12 June 2026
WHO Regional Office for Africa · Brazzaville
Time
07:30 – 15:00Walk in any time during opening hours
Venue
WHO Regional Office for AfricaBrazzaville, Republic of the Congo
Partner
National Blood Transfusion ServiceRepublic of the Congo
Spread the word
Share the campaign
Download the official cards and share with #WorldBloodDonorDay.
Give blood. Save lives.
One donation can be someone's lifeline. This 14 June, add your drop of humanity.