Traditional rulers in Gombe State have pledged their support for a voluntary blood donation campaign aimed at addressing blood shortages in health facilities and reducing maternal mortality across the state.
The commitment was made during an advocacy visit by the Gombe Blood Donation Campaign Drive Committee to traditional institutions in Gombe, where discussions focused on the urgent need for community mobilisation to support voluntary blood donation, particularly during medical emergencies.
The Senior District Head of Gombe, Bappah Ibrahim Mohammad, assured the delegation of the full backing of the traditional institution. He pledged to mobilise district and village heads on the importance of blood donation and confirmed that community leaders would actively support the campaign within their respective domains.
Also speaking, Alhaji Yeriman Wazirin Gombe, Yaya Hammari, who represents the traditional institution on the campaign committee, reiterated the commitment of traditional rulers to the initiative and stressed the importance of grassroots participation in ensuring its success.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, who also serves as Chairman of the Gombe Blood Donation Campaign Drive Committee, highlighted the critical role of traditional leaders in the success of the initiative.
Represented by the Secretary of the Committee, Dr. Suraj Abdulkarim,the Commissioner noted that traditional rulers, as trusted custodians of the people, play a vital role in influencing public behaviour, adding that their endorsement would inspire communities to participate actively in voluntary blood donation.
He explained that hospitals in Gombe continue to face persistent blood shortages, a situation that endangers pregnant women, accident victims, and critically ill patients.
According to him, excessive bleeding remains one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in the state, with many lives lost due to the unavailability of blood during emergencies.
He described blood donation as a safe, quick, and honourable act that aligns with the values of compassion, sacrifice, and communal responsibility.
The commissioner added that all donated blood would be properly screened and provided free of charge to patients during emergencies.
The blood donation drive is scheduled for Friday, 14 February 2026, in Gombe Metropolis, and is themed as a day of love and giving.
The campaign is being organised in collaboration with the Gombe State Ministry of Health and other partners.
Health officials noted that a single blood donation can save up to three lives, urging traditional rulers to grant permission for community mobilisation, direct district, village, and ward heads to encourage participation, and lead by example where possible.
They also noted that beyond saving lives, the initiative would enable donors to know their health status at no cost.