Welcome to the Friday edition of The Discourse. And this morning we turn our attention to World Blood Donor Day, which will be marked on Sunday, 14 June 2026, highlighting the vital role of voluntary blood donors in saving lives around the world. The World Health Organization says safe and sufficient blood remains essential for emergency care, surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatment, and the management of chronic and life-threatening conditions. This year's campaign, under the theme "One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.", calls for stronger solidarity and regular voluntary donation, as many countries-particularly in Africa-continue to face shortages and unequal access to safe blood and blood products. To discuss the challenges and the state of blood safety on the continent, Peter Ndoro spoke to Dr. Roland Willy Niyibizi, Technical Officer for Blood Safety, Organ and Tissue Transplants at the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa.

<p>Welcome to the Friday edition of The Discourse. And this morning we turn our attention to World Blood Donor Day, which will be marked on Sunday, 14 June 2026, highlighting the vital role of voluntary blood donors in saving lives around the world. The World Health Organization says safe and sufficient blood remains essential for emergency care, surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatment, and the management of chronic and life-threatening conditions. This year's campaign, under the theme "One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.", calls for stronger solidarity and regular voluntary donation, as many countries-particularly in Africa-continue to face shortages and unequal access to safe blood and blood products. To discuss the challenges and the state of blood safety on the continent, Peter Ndoro spoke to Dr. Roland Willy Niyibizi, Technical Officer for Blood Safety, Organ and Tissue Transplants at the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa.</p>