In celebration of the World Blood Donor Day, National Blood Service Commission (NBSC), South West Zonal Center has called on the general public to cultivate the act of voluntary blood donation to continuously save lives and enhance humanity.
The celebration, which was in partnership with Hypo Toilet Cleaner, World Health Organization (WHO), NYSC, AMLSN, Hospitals, rotary clubs in Ibadan and few other witnessed rally and numbers of voluntary blood donors donating to save life.
In his address at the press conference, the Zonal Director of NBSC, Dr. Oladapo Aworanti appreciates all stakeholders present, “It gives me a great pleasure and privilege to welcome you all to this year’s world blood donor day, this is a yearly event, the 20th in the series. The theme for this year is Give Blood Give Plasma, Share Live, Share Often. This is introducing us to another phase in transfusion services where prospective donors should be allowed to donate blood or its components as they share life. It also explains that we should share often and not make it a yearly activity.”
“It is created to appreciate our voluntary non-remunerated blood donors who out of all recent challenges have been able to support the transfusion service of Nigeria. They form the backbone of the health care sector in Nigeria and they continue to give the ailing citizens another chance to live, they are indeed the CHAMPIONS.”
“Again, this program is created to raise awareness on the need for safe blood and blood products in the world. The foundation for safe blood and blood products rests on effective and efficient donor selection. This is the moment to discontinue paid donation and other activities that could render blood and blood products unsafe in our hospitals.
“Screening with rapid kits should also be discontinued not minding the financial benefit by the proprietors or owners of blood banks in Nigeria. At this juncture, let me remind us all that the regulatory role of the transfusion services in Nigeria rests on the shoulders of NBSC and we will start taking steps in the next few months. For all functional blood banks, there is a need to register your facility with NBSC so that accreditation could be done and certification given. This is important if we actually plan to have safe blood and blood products in the country.”
“Currently, the zonal center has started producing blood components- Red cell, FFP, Platelets with the recently purchased cold centrifuge which was commissioned last year December. This is against what it used to be in our environment, the era of using whole blood to treat all forms of disease is over. We are looking for more improvement before the year runs out.”
“The zonal center has not achieved all these feats without challenges- funds, power, materials, reagents etc but we have been able to move on to achieve most of our targets with the strategic partnership and collaborations with both government and private institutions. Most prominent on the list of our partners in this business include the Oyo State Government, Oyo State Police Command, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), University College Hospital, Ibadan, University of lbadan, Hypo Toilet Cleaner, NYSC, Rotary Clubs, Lagos Esteem Lions Club, Fresh FM, Crest FM, Vintage FM, IBR, Amuludun FM, Yes FM, Space FM, Western Spring TV, Tribune and religious organizations.”
“There are individuals who have in one way or the other contributed their best to ensure safe blood in our environment, these include Mr Abimbola Olujide, Engr Biyi Adeyeye, Engr & Mrs Oke, Dr Adeniyi, Engr Dotun Sanusi, Dr Adeoye (New Day Hospital), Mr Sunday Oni, Dr Bello (Oyin Hospital), Dr Oladipupo (LAD Hospital) to mention but a few. You have all collaborated with us to share life and share often.”
“We are delighted to have you all with us to participate in this year’s world blood donor day celebration. That many of you traveled long distances, left your respective offices to be here serves as a reminder to us all how important our relationship with you is.” Aworanti concluded.
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Also speaking at the event is the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative, Pharm. Mustapha thanked the Southwest Zonal Director of NBSC, and other distinguished members present to celebrate the 2023 World Blood Donor Day.
He further stressed on the importance of donating blood to save lives generally in our society.
According to him, “WHO is happy to be part of the ‘Blood Donor Day’ celebration with NBSC, South West here in Ibadan as they’ve been impacting the society in no small measure to save lives through their efforts in ensuring prompt availability of blood in the commission’s blood bank.”
“I want to appeal on behalf of WHO to the general public to donate voluntarily as we never can tell who will need it today and tomorrow. WHO will continue to partner with the commission for better service delivery.”
Mr. Idirs Saliu also called for more donors to the blood service of the nation.
“The commission’s work is a 24 hours service for the nation. A call for blood can be anytime, and more reason why we should appreciate the commission’s workers and donors.” He concluded.
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In his remarks, Mr. Ogbeche Azu, Former South West Zonal Director NBSC, appreciates the leadership of Dr.Oladapo Aworanti and for the good he is doing to promote the commission and attract more voluntary donors.”.
The national president, Ahmadiyah Muslim Youth, Roqib Akintunde Akinyemi, also emphasized on the need for the general public to donate blood more for the sake of their own healthy living and that of the society, and also a way of contributing to the cause of humanity.
“I sincerely appreciate the commission for the partnership they are both enjoying towards making the general society a safe one for all to live. We will continue to foster the relationship with the commission to save lives.”
“As our motto connotes; ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’. We care about life irrespective of any hindrance and as the teaching of Holy Quran directs.”
“Let me bring this to our memory, Ahmadiyah Muslim youths were part of those who donated blood massively for the survivors of the Owo attack that happened last year June.”
“Also in 2022, we have records of 580 blood donations from our members. And we are working to surpass that this year 2023. We are not relenting in making contributions to save lives through the donation of blood.”
Kemi Akinpelu in her contribution calls for a strong communique that will serve as white paper to advocate for the inclusion of Blood Donor Education in secondary school curriculum and part of the civic education subject. According to her, this will help catch the younger donors more and inculcate in them the spirit of donating for humanity.
#WorldBloodDonorDay
