The National President of Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Dr. Joyce Barber, has criticized shortage of blood in Nigerian hospitals. She enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the habit of blood donation to save the lives of many Nigerians dying in hospitals because of lack of blood.
At a rally on Thursday in Kaduna, she spoke to create awareness on the importance of blood donation. She said that there is a high demand for blood all over the country. She also said the available blood is insufficient to meet the demand.
Barber revealed that people were reluctant to donate blood to others who need it. She explained that whether used or not, blood has a lifespan. She further said that rather than have expired blood, it was better to save lives through blood donation.
“People should change their mind set on blood donation to their fellow brothers and sisters. Until we know the importance of blood transfusion in this country, we will continue to have shortage of blood in our hospitals."
“Some people believe that when they donate blood, their blessings are taken away from them. And all manner of unattainable things one hears that are making some people not to donate blood to assist others in need.”
Mrs Barber also appealed to religious and traditional rulers to educate their followers. She said that Nigerians need to be their brother’s keepers. They need to embrace blood donation at the blood transfusion centres for those in need.
Blood Donation Is A Serious Thing
Barber also said shortage of blood has become a serious issue. Thus, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria and its entire Northwest zone were in Kaduna. They collaborated with the Kaduna State Blood Transfusion Department to sensitize the citizenry on the importance of blood in the hospitals to be available for those in need.
Nigeria joined the rest of the world on June 14th 2008 to mark the world blood donor day. The event was marked with a theme aptly coined “Giving Blood Regularly”. Activities for this year’s world blood donor day began on the 13th of June. It started with a ministerial press briefing and a national live radio discussion programme (Saturday Morning Live). It continued with blood donation drive at the residence of the Saudi Arabia ambassador in Abuja on Saturday 14, June 2008.
Since 2008, there has not been a major increase in the population of those who donate blood in Nigeria.
Source: Daily Post
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