The Federal Government has urged Nigerian youths to engage in regular blood and plasma donation to address the 1.5 million units blood deficit required to save lives and treat life-threatening diseases.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Folorunsho Adebiyi, made the appeal at a media briefing, yesterday, in Abuja, while commemorating the 2023 World Blood Donor Day.

Adebiyi, represented by Acting Director-General, National Blood Service Commission (NBSC), Dr. Omale Amedu, said the global health report showed that Nigeria needed an average of two million units of blood yearly.

He added that with this, Nigeria would keep the health of its over 200 million citizens safe and sound.

“It is sad to note that out of the 200 million units of blood required as a nation, the blood service commission collects only 500,000 units, which are 25 per cent of the expected yearly blood donation.

“This leaves us with a shortfall of 1.5 million units of blood, which is 75 per cent of our expected yearly blood donation,” he stressed.

He, therefore, urged the public to donate blood regularly to reduce avoidable deaths, morbidities or ill-health, particularly among pregnant women, children, cancer patients, victims of road traffic accidents and insurgencies, among others.

Country Representative, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Walter Mulombo, who stressed the need to involve all stakeholders, especially traditional and religious leaders, in the advocacy for blood donation, said the 2023 World Blood Donor Day theme, “Give Blood, Give Plasma, Share Life, Share Often,” was a call for all stakeholders to join in the campaign and meet the two million target of yearly blood needs in the country.

Meanwhile, Nigerians have been urged to be receptive to donating blood to save lives.

Consultant Urologist, Evercare Hospital, Dr. Ifedayo Adejare, said one blood donation could save at least three babies or two adults.

Adejare spoke during a campaign in commemoration of the World Blood Donors Day 2023, organised by Cafe One in partnership with BOAT Foundation, i-Fitness and Amber Energy Drink, yesterday, in Lagos.

He stated that Nigerians are reticent to give things like blood, due to negative beliefs.

According to him, blood bank practice in Nigeria is dependent hugely on paid donors, which can be disadvantageous in terms of blood quality.

“Blood donation is safe and you can help a lot of people when you give blood. The best form of donating is free will,” he added.

Impact Programs Manager, BOAT Foundation, Dr. Chiazokam Eze said they aim to ensure people in underserved communities can access blood with little or no cost.

On the frequency of donation, she stated that donor policy says three to four months before one is eligible to donate blood.

She added that through partnerships, they are championing a cause for health equity and have served at least 4200 Nigerians.