In parts of Benin, misconceptions and mistrust surrounding blood donation continue to discourage people from donating. Local health experts have noted that the country’s chronic blood shortage could be addressed if just 1% of the population donated blood.

In response, Global Hope Supporters in Benin held the 1,814th blood drive on March 25 at the National University Hospital Center Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM) in Cotonou. A total of 25 participants underwent eligibility screening, and 14 donated 6,300 mL of blood, helping strengthen the local blood supply.

The event was part of the Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover, carried out by the Church of God’s Global Hope Supporters from February 22 to April 30, 2026, with participation from 23 countries.

IVY 2026 recognizes volunteerism as a powerful means of enabling everyone to contribute to positive change. In this spirit, Global Hope Supporters have carried out blood donation drives around the world for more than 20 years. By helping to ease blood shortages, encouraging voluntary blood donation, and promoting respect for life, the initiative contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.

[About the Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover]
The Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover is a global blood donation initiative launched by the Church of God in 2005 to help save the lives of patients in need of blood transfusions. From 2005 to April 2026, 1,798 blood drives were held in 68 countries, drawing 326,853 participants and resulting in 140,382 successful blood donations. As one blood donation can help save up to three lives, these donations have the potential to benefit more than 420,000 people.
The campaign is conducted in cooperation with national and local governments, Red Cross societies and other partner organizations. Through these partnerships, the campaign helps address blood shortages in local communities while supporting the World Health Organization’s goal of achieving 100 per cent voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation. Following the example of Christ, who demonstrated selfless love through the New Covenant Passover,* participants seek to share care and compassion with communities around the world.

* Passover: A festival instituted by Jesus Christ on the day before His crucifixion, signifying His atoning sacrifice. He referred to the Passover bread as His body and the wine as His blood, which He would shed for the forgiveness of humanity’s sins. He also promised eternal life to those who eat His flesh and drink His blood.

[Who Are the Global Hope Supporters?]
Global Hope Supporters, the volunteer network of the World Mission Society Church of God, contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through ongoing activities in six areas: ▶ Climate Change Response ▶ Poverty and Hunger Alleviation ▶ Educational Support ▶ Health and Well-Being Promotion ▶ Sustainable and Safe Society Building and ▶ Peace, Inclusion and Solidarity. This campaign is carried out under health and well-being promotion, one of the Church of God’s six areas of social contribution.

In 2026, the Church of God is commemorating the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development and the second anniversary of Mother’s Love and Peace Day. With the goal of having each Global Hope Supporter participate in volunteer service at least twice during the year, the Church is putting the values of a mother’s love and inclusion into practice. Mother’s Love and Peace Day, observed on November 1, was established to mark the 60th anniversary of the Church’s founding. In response to an age marked by widespread conflict and division, the Church also launched the Words of Mother’s Love That Bring Peace Campaign, which promotes communication based on mutual respect and understanding. All Global Hope Supporters participate in this campaign. They regard people around the world as one family, learn the value of a mother’s love, and put it into practice through the way they communicate and through volunteer service.