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As Nigeria marks the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has appealed to Nigerians to increase voluntary blood donations as the country faces a shortage of blood donations.
Pate made the call on Friday at the World Blood Donor Day 2024 press conference organized by the National Blood Service Commission.
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The minister, represented by the acting permanent secretary of the ministry, Chris Isokpunwu, said blood shortage in Nigeria is causing preventable deaths and illnesses.
“Unfortunately, much less is currently donated, resulting in preventable deaths, morbidities or health problems, particularly among our women, newborns and children, and among victims of road accidents and insurgencies,” he said.
Blood donation
Citing WHO data, Pate noted that of the 118.5 million blood donations collected worldwide, 40 percent come from high-income countries.
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He said that according to WHO 2023, of the 118.5 million blood donations collected worldwide, 40 percent come from high-income countries, representing about 16 percent of the world’s population.
“However, data on the donation rate in Nigeria shows that more than 80 percent of the blood collected comes from commercial and family replacement blood donors,” he said.
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He further said that WHO recommended that blood collection, testing, processing, storage and distribution activities be coordinated at the national level through integrated blood supply networks, governed by a national blood policy and legislative framework to ensure uniform standards. quality and safety.
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The minister noted that research has shown that the safest and most reliable source of blood comes from regular, voluntary donors, rather than paid donors.
He said the World Health Assembly has urged countries to develop blood systems based on voluntary donations, with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency.
“Access to safe blood and blood products is a key component of an effective health system and an important component for the successful achievement of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
“With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria’s estimated blood need is approximately 2 million units per year.”
“Blood infusion is essential for the health sector”
In his goodwill message, Director General of the National Blood Service Commission, Saleh Yuguda, highlighted the need for regular and unpaid blood donations to ensure universal access to safe blood transfusions.
Yuguda noted that blood transfusion is a vital component of healthcare, providing vital support to patients facing serious medical conditions.
He explained that by receiving blood and blood products, patients can prolong their lives and enjoy a better quality of life.
READ ALSO: WBDD: Blood donations in Africa still falling short of demand: WHO
He added that blood transfusion plays a crucial role in facilitating complex medical and surgical procedures, making it essential in maternal and child care, as well as during natural disasters and man-made crises.
“Recent data indicate that more people in developing countries die from lack of access to blood and blood products (due to RTA, obstetric hemorrhage, cancer-related bone marrow suppression, etc.) than from communicable diseases,” said.
World Blood Donor Day
The minister highlighted that the World Health Organization (WHO) established World Blood Donor Day 20 years ago to promote voluntary blood donation and safe blood practices.
Speaking about the 2024 theme: “20 Years of Celebrating Donations: Thank You, Blood Donors,” Mr. Pate noted that it allows you to appreciate the kindness of donors.
He said: “This day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the progress made and the lives saved thanks to the selflessness of blood donors around the world. Donating blood is a gesture of kindness, a symbol of solidarity and a testimony to humanity’s capacity for compassion.
“Every blood donation is a precious gift. Each donation has the potential to save up to three lives, making blood donors true heroes among us.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each of you who have rolled up your sleeves to donate blood. “Your kindness, compassion and commitment to helping others is truly admirable.”
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