HFN stages health walk, pushes for healthcare reforms, blood donation

The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has marked its 10th anniversary with a Health Walk and Blood Donor Drive to promote healthcare accessibility and voluntary blood donation.

The event, which was held in collaboration with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS), started at the National Museum, King George V. Road, Onikan, and ended at Under Falomo Bridge, opposite Falomo Roundabout, on Saturday.

HFN President, Dr. Pamela Ajayi, emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating that collaboration between the private sector and government is key to improving Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“One major challenge in our environment is the issue of blood. There are so many superstitions around blood donation. A lot of people don’t donate, and because of that, there isn’t enough blood in the system. As a result, people die unnecessarily.

“A critical concern for us is Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate. Many people don’t realise that a significant cause of maternal deaths is blood loss after childbirth. Often, the husband’s or a relative’s donation is not enough, and in cases of severe bleeding, if there’s no available blood, the woman dies. There is no substitute for human blood,” she said.

Pioneer HFN President and Managing Director of JNC International, Clare Omatseye reflected on the organisation’s achievements over the past decade.

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“Over the years, we’ve influenced major policies, including the Cancer Health Fund, and secured incentives that support private sector healthcare investments,” Omashaya said.

She also stressed the need for voluntary blood donation, noting that there is no laboratory substitute for human blood.

“We have a collective responsibility to save lives. You never know, you may be the one in need of a blood transfusion someday,” she added.

Incoming HFN President, Njide Ndili, outlined her key focus areas, which include expanding public-private partnerships, leveraging digital technology in healthcare, and improving hospital standards.

“We need to encourage local pharmaceutical manufacturing, improve access to funding for hospitals, and ensure quality healthcare services. Collaboration is key to achieving these goals,” she stated.

HFN’s Financial Secretary, Dr. Segun Ebitanmi, also spoke on the benefits of blood donation.
“Blood donation is important not just for the recipients but also for the donors. It revitalises the body, and for accident victims and women in labour, donated blood can be the difference between life and death,” he explained.