WBDD: Delta, stakeholders urge voluntary blood donation to save lives

WBDD: Delta, stakeholders urge voluntary blood donation to save lives

Delta Government and relevant stakeholders have embarked on a road walk to sensitise residents to promote voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation and ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply for all who need it.

The stakeholders made the call on Tuesday during the road walk to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) on Tuesday in Asaba.

Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the Delta State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organisation(WHO), Vcare for Development Foundation, Nigerian Red Cross, Uniblood among others engaged in the exercise.

Speaking, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, State Commissioner for Health, represented by Dr Gloria Patrick-Ferife, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said the theme for the year; “One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Lives” is apt.

According to him, WHO set aside June 16 as the World Blood Donor Day. It is a day set aside to honour voluntary blood donors and promote awareness on the importance of safe blood.

“Blood is essential in critical emergencies such as road traffic accidents, sickle cell patients, surgeries, childbirth, and other treatments of various medical conditions.

“However, many health systems still struggle to ensure steady access to safe blood when it is needed.

“Today calls for stronger commitment from governments and citizens to promote voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation and ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply for all who need it”.

He said the state government remained firmly committed to strengthening the healthcare system and improving access to quality health care services, adding that the ministry has campaigned across Asaba, Warri, Sapele, Ughelli, Oghara, Idumuje-Unor, and Oleh since 2018.

“This commitment extends to the provision of safe and adequate blood transfusion services, which are essential for saving lives and supporting effective healthcare delivery.

“In spite of the progress recorded over the years, the rate of voluntary blood donation remains below the level required to meet the growing demand for safe blood, largely due to inadequate awareness,” Onojaeme said.

Onojaeme said blood donation centres are available at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba; the State Secretariat Clinic, Asaba; Central Hospital, Warri; and Central Hospital, Ughelli.

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In an interview, the State Manager, Vcare for development foundation, Mr Henry Udenenwu, said the focus of the foundation is to build data for donors in Delta.

He said that Vcare would replicate what it had done in Lagos in Delta by mobilising larger number of blood donors in the state.

According to him, the world blood donation day is a special event that marks us as a united humanity, it brings us together as a people, and helps us to remember the need to support one another.

‘For us in Vcare development foundation, we are so far the highest organisation that mobilised the highest number of donors in Lagos and we want to replicate same in Delta.”

Also the President, Founder, Universal Blood Donors Development (Uniblood), the Obi of Idumuje-Unor, Charles Anyasi III, said Nigerians are dying at the hospitals due to insufficient blood bank.

“What is required yearly for effective transfusion of blood is about 1.5 million units of blood but we are not doing up to 500,000 units in the country,” he said.

He, therefore, urged healthy  individuals to  rise to the task and donate blood, adding that people with rare  blood group suffered more.

On her part, Dr Gloria Mok, State Coordinator, State Ambulance Service in the ministry, noted that blood remained vital during emergency response, for pregnant women, road accidents victims and others.

“This exercise is healthy, when you give out blood, your bone marrows will make fresh blood for you. So,  It is a win win for all because one drop of blood can save lives,” she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Patricia Biboye-Brisibe, Director, Medical Laboratory Services and Focal Person for blood banking Services in the state, assured that donated blood are not for sale.

According to her, blood donated cannot be sold, it is freely given to patients but you can only pay for the services of screening the blood for HIV, hepatitis and other diseases.

A donor, Mr Onoriode Sienahehruo, said he decided to volunteer for the donation after being diagnosed with frequent and acute headache in 2024.

According to him, the test revealed that his blood level was higher in percentage than was needed.

“So, it became necessary that I donate blood to remain healthy. I was advised to abstain from certain foods and to go and donate blood.

“If it is to donate blood to save lives, I have no problem with that.”