A consultant haematologist, Adedoye Dosunmu, has urged more Nigerians to cultivate the habit of voluntary blood donation to save lives and enhance access to readily available safe blood.

Mr Dosunmu made the call at a lecture organised by the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), on Friday in Lagos to commemorate ‘2024 World Blood Donor Day’.

World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually on June 14 to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products to save lives.

The programme has the theme: Celebrating 20 Years of Giving: Thank You Blood Donors.

Mr Dosunmu, a guest speaker at the event, discussed the significance of the day and called for more advocacy in Nigeria, as most people do not understand the need for regular blood donations.

According to him, there is an urgent need to orient Nigerians on the importance of blood donation, especially as voluntary givers.

Highlighting the benefits of voluntary blood donation, Mr Dosunmu said it reduced the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke, depression and elongated life.

The haematologist explained that regular blood donors have the opportunity to have regular medical checkups, which predisposes the individual to a healthier lifestyle.

He said an individual could donate blood at three-month intervals, which translates to three or four times per year.

“Blood can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with a higher quality of life and supports complex medical and surgical procedures.

“It is also vital for treating the wounded during emergencies of all kinds (natural disasters, accidents, armed conflicts, etc.) and has an essential, life-saving role in maternal and perinatal care.

“Hence, there is a need for more people to voluntarily donate blood to not only save lives but also help to enhance access to safe and readily available blood,” he said.

Titi Adeyemo, a consultant haematologist from the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, LUTH, said regular blood donors have a chance of living five years longer than non-regular blood donors.

Ms Adeyemo decried that Nigeria still heavily relied on family replacement donors, where relatives were forced to donate blood.

She, therefore, urged people not to wait for an emergency before they start donating blood.

(NAN)