Blood donation in short supply in Nigeria, as minister calls for help

As Nigeria marks the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has appealed to Nigerians to increase voluntary blood donations, as the country faces a shortage of blood supply donations.

Mr Pate made the call on Friday at the 2024 World Blood Donor Day press briefing organised by the National Blood Service Commission.

The minister, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Chris Isokpunwu, said Nigeria’s blood shortage is leading to avoidable deaths and diseases.

“Unfortunately, much less is currently donated, leading to avoidable deaths, morbidities, or ill health, particularly among our womenfolk, newborns, and children, and victims of road traffic accidents and insurgencies,” he said.

Blood donation

Citing data from WHO, Mr Pate noted that out of the 118.5 million blood donations collected globally, 40 per cent of these are from high-income countries.

He said according to WHO 2023, out of the 118.5 million blood donations collected globally, 40 per cent of these are from high-income countries, which is about 16 per cent of the world’s population.

“However, data on the donation rate in Nigeria shows that more than 80 per cent of blood collected is from family replacement and commercial blood donors,” he said.

He further stated that WHO advised that blood collection, testing, processing, storage, and distribution activities be coordinated nationally through integrated blood supply networks, governed by a national blood policy and legislative framework to ensure uniform quality and safety standards.

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, aiming for self-sufficiency.

“Access to safe blood and blood products is a key component of an effective health system and a significant building block for the successful achievement of health-related Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

“With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria’s estimated blood need is about 2 million units annually.”

“Blood infusion critical to the health sector”

In his goodwill message, the Director General of the National Blood Service Commission, Saleh Yuguda, emphasised the need for regular, unpaid blood donations to ensure universal access to safe blood transfusion.

Mr Yuguda noted that blood transfusion is a vital component of healthcare, providing life-saving support to patients facing severe medical conditions.

He explained that by receiving blood and blood products, patients can extend their lives and enjoy improved quality of life.

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He added 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.

“Recently data indicates that more people are dying from lack of access to blood and blood products (because of RTA, obstetric haemorrhage, cancer-related bone marrow suppression etc) than communicable diseases in developing countries,” he said.

World Blood Donor Day

The minister noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) established World Blood Donor Day 20 years ago to promote voluntary blood donation and safe blood practices.

Speaking on the 2024 theme: “20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors”, Mr Pate noted that it allows appreciating the kindness of donors.

He said: “This day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the progress made and the lives saved due to the selflessness of blood donors worldwide. Blood donation is a gesture of kindness, a symbol of solidarity, and a testament 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 every one of you who have rolled up your sleeves to donate blood. Your kindness, compassion, and commitment to helping others are truly admirable”.