Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” star Danai Gurira urges people of Black heritage to donate blood

Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” star Danai Gurira has released an inspiring video appeal in support of the NHS campaign for more people of Black Caribbean and Black African heritage to donate blood.

Danai, who plays Okoye, the confident, passionate and powerful general in charge of the Dora Milaje, Wakanda's all-female special forces, now stars in a campaign video about how ethnically matched blood is needed to save lives.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has teamed up with the Marvel Studios film in the next stage in its ‘Not Family, But Blood’ campaign to encourage more people of Black heritage to donate blood to help sickle cell patients, amongst others.

Co-branded “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” digital content is being shared across NHSBT and Marvel Studios social channels with a call to action for people to register as a blood donor, including Danai’s appeal.

The NHS now needs a record 250 blood donations every day to treat blood conditions such as sickle cell disease, which is more prevalent in people of Black Caribbean and Black African heritage. Blood donors of Black Caribbean and Black African heritage are more likely to have the matching blood types that patients require.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2018’s critically acclaimed and global cultural phenomenon, “Black Panther,” one of the most beloved films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In cinemas now, the movie sees the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, fighting to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death.

Message from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Danai Gurira

“The NHS urgently needs more blood donors of Black heritage so they can treat people who need regular blood transfusions. 

“You could help save up to three lives by giving blood. All it takes is just one hour of your time. We have the power to save and transform lives through our ethnically matched blood. 

“It’s in our blood to save lives together.”

Message from Dr Farrukh Shah: Director of Blood Transfusion at NHS Blood and Transplant

“Sickle cell disproportionately affects people of Black Caribbean and Black African heritage. I urge people inspired by Dania’s appeal to give blood and help treat the thousands of people living with this serious disorder.”

Statement from Zeeshan Asghar: Head of Commercial Partnerships for NHS Blood and Transplant

“We are thrilled to have Danai’s support, which will help us reach new audiences with a strong, positive message. Just like in Wakanda, the community is diverse, but people are united by power to make lifesaving blood donations.”

Statement from Walt Disney representative Owen Dommel: Director, Marketing Partnerships UK & EMEA at The Walt Disney Studios

“In our film, heroes like Okoye band together to protect Wakanda. Our hope is that through this collaboration these values are translated into action to ensure the NHS receives the blood donations it so urgently needs.”

• Become a blood donor today. Register and book an appointment online, by downloading the NHS Give Blood app or by calling 0300 123 23 23.