Mrs Khadijat Shuahib, a 43-year-old humanitarian worker, has dedicated herself to becoming a voluntary blood donor since 2012, connecting patients and families in need of blood with willing donors.
Mrs Shuahib recalls the hardship of acquiring blood for a scheduled surgery that led to her becoming a voluntary donor.
“I went to practically every center in Abuja but was unable to obtain the desired blood type (A+).” After hours of searching, I found the blood in a hospital in Gwagwalada (Abuja). As a result of my experience, I’ve discovered that people go through a lot of emotional, mental, and physical pain in order to obtain blood donations for their families in times of need. “Now, I use my connections to ask for unpaid blood donations for others who are in need,” she explained.
According to the World Health Organization, blood and blood products are critical resources for the effective management of women suffering from bleeding during pregnancy and childbirth; children suffering from severe anemia due to malaria and malnutrition; patients with blood and bone marrow disorders, inherited haemoglobin disorders, and immune deficiency conditions; victims of trauma, emergencies, disasters, and accidents; and patients undergoing advanced medical and surgical procedures.
However, there is a blood scarcity in Nigeria since people who frequently require it are unable to obtain it when they are needed.
Dr. Joseph Omale, Director-General of the National Blood Transfusion Commission (NBTC), said the country’s lack of donated blood is obvious in the frequent calls for blood donation during emergencies.
“A typical example of blood shortage in the national blood bank is the recent attack in Owo, Ondo state, and the plea to Nigerians for voluntary blood.” It implies that the demand for routinely donated blood outnumbers the supply, which has a detrimental influence on timely access for patients who require safe and high-quality blood to save their lives, according to him.
Dr. Omale emphasized the importance of unremunerated voluntary blood donation, saying it is the best form of blood generation because the sample will have been extensively tested and declared safe for use.
Taking on new difficulties
According to WHO statistics, Nigeria requires an average of 1.8 million pints of blood per year to provide adequate blood supply for the health system. Unfortunately, the NBTS reported that the pint of blood obtained each year is insufficient.
According to NBTC figures, 22,000 units were donated in 2000, 25,000 in 2021, and 4,000 units so far in 2022 (from January to May).
Dr. Omale, on the other hand, stressed that the results do not accurately reflect the amount of blood donated in those years because samples were collected in a random manner around the country.
“The NBTC has been collaborating with partners, notably the World Health Organization, to address some of the issues in ensuring that Nigerians have access to high-quality, safe blood.” This includes an ongoing WHO-supported audit aimed at strengthening the capacity of seven Nigerian NBTC centers.
Nonetheless, COVID-19 has had a substantial impact on voluntary unpaid blood donation in the NBTS during the last two years,” he stated.
The value of a life-saving action
The WHO Nigeria is assisting the country in developing a national blood transfusion strategy, quality management systems, and strengthening the legal and regulatory framework for blood safety, with assistance from the WHO Africa Regional Office.
The goal is to ensure an adequate supply of safe and quality assured blood and blood products for patients who require blood transfusions, including COVID-19 patients, by conducting an on-site formal assessment under the Stepwise Accreditation program by the African Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) (SWAP)
Dr Matshidiso Moetito, WHO Regional Director, said donating blood is an act of unity in her message for World Blood Donor Day 2022.
She praised voluntary blood donors for their life-saving efforts, noting that being a blood donor will help relieve the strain on health-care systems now dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak.
The goal of the WBDD is to raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations and to honor individuals who donate.
“Donating blood is a gesture of solidarity,” is this year’s theme. Participate in the effort to preserve lives.”
APO Group is distributing this material on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Nigeria.