Nigeria Needs 1.8 Million Units Of Blood Yearly To Meet Blood Transfusion – Don

A Professor of Haematology at the Edo State University, Uzairue, Musa Muhibi has revealed that Nigeria needs a minimum of 1.8 million units of blood per year to meet the blood transfusion need of its citizens.

He made the revelation while delivering the 7th Inaugural lecture series of the University titled “The Cycle in Blood Safety: Being Efficiently, Selfish and Effectively Generous.

Muhibi, who is the Dean of Faculty of Applied Health Sciences said that the rate of blood donation in Nigeria is low, with only maximum of 10 per cent of blood donor being voluntary donors.

According to him the majority of blood donations come from family replacement donors, some of who are not adequately screened for blood borne infections and other health conditions.

“Nigeria has one of lowest voluntary blood donation rates globally, with only 10 per cent of blood supply coming from voluntary donors.

“The majority of the blood supply 60 per cent comes from family replacement donors while 30 per cent comes from paid blood donors.

“Therefore, strategies aimed at promoting voluntary blood donation are needed in Nigeria to increase the availability of safe blood and meet the high demand for blood transfusions”, he said.

He noted that the demand for blood transfusion is high in Nigeria, as the country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally and increased prevalence of infectious diseases such as malaria which require blood transfusion.

He said blood transfusion is a crucial aspect of healthcare services, particularly in emergency situations and during medical procedures like surgeries, adding that It can save lives by providing blood for transfusion to patients in need of blood.

Muhib, also highlighted factors affecting voluntary blood donation in Nigeria as fear of the needles, lack of trust in the healthcare system, inadequate awareness, cultural and religious beliefs.

He, however, called for public awareness and education campaign on the important of blood donation and the benefits of voluntary donation.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor said the lecture became imperative as it highlights the important of promoting voluntary blood donation and sustainable blood transfusion system in the country.