By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
National Blood Service Commission, NBSC, in collaboration with Rotary District 9125 has advocated free voluntary blood donation to provide safe, adequate and quality blood and blood products for transfusion in a cost-effective manner to all who may require it in Nigeria.
Director-General of NBSC, Professor Saleh Yuguda said there is a huge gap between demand and supply of blood donation, and that is why people dying for lack of blood in Nigeria.
Yuguda disclosed this at the National Blood Service Commission’s novelty match organided in conjunction with Rotary Club District 9125 to celebrate 20 years blood donor day with the theme “20 years of celebrating giving, thank you!”
According to him, lack of blood is problematic for us as a country, adding that from statistics, the commission has realised that people dying from road accident and bleeding during delivery is higher than people with non- communicable diseases like cancer as a result of lack of blood in the country and called on the public to come out and donate blood to those who are in dire need of it.
The director-general said June 14 every year is dedicated by the World Health Organisation, WHO, as the World Blood Donor Day to thank those who have been donating blood regularly all over the world and today, we are celebrating 20 years of world blood donor day.
“National Blood Service Commission is the institution charged with the responsibility of regulating, Coordinating and providing safe, adequate and quality blood and blood products for transfusion in a cost-effective manner to all who may require it in Nigeria with emphasis on voluntary non-remunerated blood donation in order to save lives across the country.
“According to WHO, every minute, somebody, somewhere is in need of blood transfusion, so we must be deliberate in encouraging ourselves to come out to donate blood to save lives, adding that people should not be afraid to donate blood and if you do not donate, after 120 days, the blood will naturally die and it will be a waste so each cell of the blood is being replaced every 120 days that is roughly four months.
“Giving blood will not remove anything from you, but rather give you good health. If you don’t have enough we can’t take it so we check and also ensure that you are in good health before taking your blood. Giving out blood is not harmful, it gives you a sense of belonging because you are helping someone out there. People need blood, especially those who have accident, some illnesses and child birth” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Rotary Club District 9125, President of Rotary Club Gwagwalada, FCT, Ayodele Steven said Rotary Club collaborated with the commission to expand blood bank system in Nigeria.
He advocated for people to come out and donate blood to those who are in need, urging them to come out for screening and donation of blood because it is not enough in our hospitals.
