Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Health Experts in Rivers State Nigeria have raised concerns over apathy by Nigerians to donate blood voluntarily despite series of campaigns to change the narrative.
These concerns were discussed during an event to mark the 2021 World Blood Donor Day at the Armed Forces Blood Centre, Military Hospital, Port Harcourt.
Observed every year on 14 June, World Blood Donor Day is an initiative by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The aim of this day is to spread awareness about blood donation and the need for safe blood and blood products.
The day is used to celebrate and appreciate the contribution of voluntary blood donors in saving lives.
According to the WHO, “The day also provides an opportunity to call to action to governments and national health authorities to provide adequate resources and put into place systems and infrastructures to increase the collection of blood from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors”.
Marking the event in Port Harcourt, the Acting Coordinator of Armed Forces Blood Centre, Military Hospital, Port Harcourt Colonel Andrew Aloku says regular blood donations protect the donor from developing heart-related diseases.
Colonel Andrew Aloku during the event called for more collaboration with the public for a more robust blood bank in Rivers State.
He also thanked voluntary blood donors who he described as heroes that save lives through regular blood donation.
”Today we’re here to honour our heroes who have selflessly given their time, resources and blood to save lives. You have chosen to make regular blood donation your lifestyle. You have saved countless lives. You’re the reason many individuals are alive and healthy today. You’re the reason many families are healthy and prosperous. I am very proud to be standing among you today” he said.
The Keynote Speaker and a Professor of Haematology at the Rivers State University, Prof. Zaccheus Jeremiah said regular blood donation helps the bone marrow to work effectively.
He said that voluntary blood donation saves the lives of pregnant women and those in need of blood.
Prof. Zaccheus Jeremiah also noted that regular blood donation does not have any side effect on the donor.
The University Don said blood donors have a lesser risk of heart diseases due to the benefits in blood donation.
Our correspondent reports that Rotary Club of Trans-Amadi donated test tubes, cartons of milk and T-shirts to the Armed Forces Blood Centre, Port Harcourt.
The Armed Forces Blood Centre also presented gifts to voluntary blood donors during the event.
