Nigeria faces a significant shortfall of about 73.3% in its annual blood supply, according to Haima Health Initiative (HHI), a non-profit organization.
The revelation was made by HHI's founder and CEO, Bukola Bolarinwa, during the commemoration of World Blood Donor Day in Abuja.
The theme for this year's World Blood Donor Day is '20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!' Bolarinwa highlighted that Nigeria receives only 27% of its annual blood need from voluntary blood donors, leaving a significant gap.
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This shortage leads to delays in treatments and sometimes loss of life for patients and their families.
Bolarinwa also pointed out that many Nigerians have irrational fears surrounding blood donation, such as pain, infection risk, and potential health impacts.
However, she emphasized that these fears can be overcome through education and awareness campaigns by the government, civil society, and health care organizations.
Bolarinwa stressed that blood donation is a painless and easy process, with most healthy Nigerians eligible to donate up to four times a year.
She also noted that there are no significant side effects to blood donation, and eligibility checks are conducted to ensure donor safety.
HHI has played a crucial role in improving the lives of over 2,000 patients in hospitals through voluntary safe blood donation from their registered donors.
They have over 3,000 registered blood donors and have collected more than 2,700 pints of blood.
In recognition of their efforts, HHI was honored with the Community Impact Award by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee for their relentless work in promoting safe blood donation in Lagos State.
