The Nigerian government has announced plans to establish blood collection centres in all 774 local government areas of the country.
This was stated in a statement issued on Friday by the Head of Media and Publicity of the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), Abdullahi Haruna.
The initiative, he said, aims to ensure that blood is readily available for medical emergencies and transfusions.
The statement noted that Nigeria's blood collection capabilities are currently restricted to just 17 centres across the country, a stark reality that underscores the need to significantly scale up blood collection infrastructure to meet the country's growing healthcare demands and ensure timely access to blood transfusions.
Blood shortage
In 2023, the NBSA said Nigeria was facing a severe blood shortage with only 27 per cent (500,000 pints) of its annual blood needs being met through voluntary donations.
This leaves a staggering 73.3 percent shortfall in the country’s annual blood requirements, highlighting the urgent need to increase blood donations to address this serious gap in healthcare.
NBSA Director General Saleh Yuguda said the government is committed to addressing the blood shortage in the country.
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Mr Yugudah said: “We are working tirelessly to ensure that blood needs are adequately met, and this initiative is an important step towards achieving that goal.”
The agency revealed that it is partnering with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for this course, noting that “the collaboration is aimed at mitigating blood shortages during medical emergencies and providing critical support to sister security agencies.”
The statement said NSCDC Deputy Commander Emeka Okeke said addressing the blood shortage and saving lives is crucial.
He reportedly stressed the importance of the partnership, saying that “this initiative will play a vital role in addressing blood shortages and saving lives.”
Launch of the blood collection project
The statement reads in part: “To kick-start the blood collection project, the FCT will set up strategic blood collection facilities at easily accessible locations. This move is expected to increase blood donation rates and ensure a steady supply of blood for medical purposes.”
Medical experts have hailed the initiative as a crucial milestone in addressing the blood shortage in Nigeria.
According to Joshua Fapohunda, quality officer at NBSA, the move is vital to ensure availability of blood when needed, adding that it will undoubtedly have a life-saving impact.
Mr. Fapohunda added that the implementation of blood collection centres across Nigeria demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure, stating that the initiative promises to increase access to life-saving blood transfusions, “which will ultimately lead to better health outcomes for Nigerians.”