As Nigeria joins other countries to mark 2017 World Blood Donor Day, an expert in haematology, Dr Titi Adegbola has said that Nigeria was still lacking in sufficient blood to safe life.
Dr Adegbola, speaking at the University College Hospital (UCH) World Blood Donor Day celebration in Ibadan, said Nigerians’ attitude to blood donation remain poor and that less than one per cent of Nigerians donate blood despite its importance.
She stated that about 1.8 million Nigerians donate blood even though 60 million Nigerians’ are eligible to donate and stressed the need to demystify blood donation.
According to her, “blood donation is good for everybody. There are advantages of donation; people have to also see it as a civic responsibility.”
The expert, who restated World Health Organisation’s call for improved access to safe blood, declared that ensuring adequate blood in Nigeria’s blood bank was important because one in every four persons will need blood transfused in their life time.
She added “everyday, 800 women die globally from pregnancy and childbirth due to lack of safe blood. But a single unit of blood donated can save the life of a minimum of three people.”
Dr Adegbola, saying that 100 per cent non-remunerated blood donors is World Health Organisation’s goal, declared, “blood is life, you do not have to be a doctor to safe live. So, every blood is a hero.”
Earlier, Head of Department of Haematology, UCH, Ibadan, Professor Yetunde Aken’Ova appreciated the hospital’s blood donors, urged for their continued support in ensuring availability of blood in the hospital.
Professor Aken’Ova added, “there is no replacement for human blood, it cannot be replaced with animal blood. If it is not available, it will be a disaster for us in the hospital.”