By Uko Etim 

UYO—The National Orientation Agency, NOA, Akwa Ibom State Directorate has called on residents to adopt voluntary blood donation as a culture of humanity and solidarity, rather than waiting for emergencies.

State Director, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, made the appeal on Sunday in Uyo, as part of global observance of World Blood Donation Day which is celebrated annually on June 14 to raise awareness on safe blood supply and honour voluntary, unpaid donors.

He urged individuals, groups and organisations to see blood donation beyond medical necessity.

“Blood donation is a lifesaving act of solidarity. Every pint of blood donated can save up to three lives. It is a selfless gesture that binds us together as a community, especially in times of emergency,” Mr. Mkpoutom stated.

Mkpoutom stressed that consistent donation ensures hospitals and health centres have adequate supply of safe blood for surgeries, accident victims, mothers with pregnancy complications, and patients battling chronic illnesses like sickle cell disease.

He appealed to healthy individuals aged 18 to 65 to visit designated health facilities and blood banks to donate regularly.

“We must move from emergency-driven blood donation to a consistent culture of voluntary donation. Let us make it a habit, not just a reaction to crisis,” he added.

The NOA boss commended existing donors in Akwa Ibom for their humanitarian efforts and encouraged more citizens to join the cause.

“Every drop of blood donated is a lifeline to someone in need,” he concluded.