…unveils blood transfusion campaign
The Lagos State Government has launched a campaign to promote regular voluntary blood donation, with the State’s Blood Transfusion Service urging residents to donate to ensure adequate supplies.
The campaign began on Monday, August 24, with an advocacy walk and sensitisation at Jubilee Bridge and Jubilee Market in Ajah, Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS), Dr Bodunrin Osikomaiya, said Eti-Osa was the first of 10 programmes planned across the state’s 20 local government areas. She said residents could donate through the blood mobile at the venue or designated government hospitals.
The campaign will also reach Ojo, Ibeju-Lekki, Badagry, Epe and Lagos Island, with the goal of ensuring safe blood is readily available.
At MCC Eti-Osa, Osikomaiya presented blood bags, gloves, sample bottles, donor forms, information materials and voluntary blood donation cards. She said cardholders would be entitled to receive blood without out-of-pocket payment.
The Medical Director of MCC Eti-Osa, Dr Olufemi Aletan, said the partnership highlighted the importance of blood availability, especially during emergencies involving pregnant women and severe bleeding.
He said the facility was working towards establishing its own blood bank and urged residents, particularly husbands of pregnant women, to donate regularly.
Thirteen-time donor Mr Olawale Alaba urged eligible residents to donate every three months, while Mr Taiwo Abifarin said he donated to save lives and give back to society.
First-time donors, including Messrs Abdullahi Mohammed, Rabiu Abiodun and Gbadamosi Sulaiman, also encouraged residents to overcome their fears and donate voluntarily. Sulaiman described blood donation as a civic responsibility, recalling his child’s previous need for blood.
