"World Blood Donor Day: Nigeria's Silent Health Crisis as Blood Banks Run Dry
"World Blood Donor Day: Nigeria's Silent Health Crisis as Blood Banks Run Dry
By Maurison Ogu
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As the world commemorates World Blood Donor Day, health experts are raising concerns over a growing crisis that continues to threaten lives across Nigeria: the shortage of safe blood.
Every day, accident victims, mothers battling childbirth complications, surgical patients, cancer sufferers and individuals living with anaemia depend on blood transfusions to survive. Yet hospitals across the country continue to struggle with inadequate blood supplies.
Medical experts note that blood remains one of the few life-saving resources that cannot be manufactured artificially. With red blood cells having a limited storage period and platelets remaining viable for only a few days, health facilities rely heavily on voluntary donors.
Speaking on the issue, laboratory scientist Ndudirim Oji stressed the importance of proper screening before donation, advising Nigerians to patronise only accredited blood transfusion centres.
Medical practitioner Dr. Okay Alozie called for a renewed culture of voluntary blood donation, describing it as a civic responsibility capable of saving countless lives.
While awareness campaigns have increased in recent years, experts say misconceptions, fear and poor grassroots sensitisation continue to discourage many eligible donors.
As this year's theme, "One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Lives," resonates globally, stakeholders insist that a single donation can mean the difference between life and death.
Comment👇: Have you ever donated blood? If not, what is stopping you from becoming a voluntary blood donor?

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