The sixth edition of the Bridget Bonnie & Friends annual blood donation drive took place on Saturday, 28 February 2026, at the 37 Military Hospital Blood Bank, drawing donors from various backgrounds to support maternal health under the theme “Maternal Blood Bank Initiative.”
The event, organised in partnership with the hospital’s Blood Bank and Maternal Ward, focused on addressing the urgent need for safe blood supplies for expectant mothers facing complications during childbirth. Participants donated blood while highlighting the critical role voluntary donations play in preventing maternal and newborn deaths.
Bridget Bonnie, founder of the initiative and Head of Information at the Ghana High Commission to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, reaffirmed her dedication to the cause.
“No woman should lose her life while giving life,” she stated, describing the Maternal Blood Bank Initiative as a lasting commitment to supporting mothers in need.
The drive responds to ongoing challenges in Ghana’s blood supply system.
According to available data from the National Blood Service, voluntary blood donations have historically fallen short of national requirements, with figures showing only a fraction of the needed units collected through non-remunerated voluntary means in recent years.
Organisers stressed that each donation can make a vital difference in saving lives, particularly in emergency obstetric cases.
The event attracted a diverse group of donors committed to the cause. Notable among them was first-time donor Rihanatu Yakubu, who travelled from Zabzugu in the Northern Region to participate, embodying the selfless spirit of the campaign.
In a show of solidarity, Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency, Malik Basintale, joined Bridget Bonnie and the team to visit new mothers in the maternity ward. They presented flowers and care packages, offering encouragement and support to women who had recently given birth.
Donors received personalised appreciation tokens and post-donation health advice to promote ongoing voluntary contributions and well-being.
What started as a modest community effort has evolved into a recognised annual campaign, demonstrating the impact of collective action in tackling public health challenges.
Organisers continue to call on Ghanaians to embrace regular voluntary blood donation as a powerful way to save lives.
