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Health

Reps pledge support to blood service delivery

By Justina Auta

The House of Representative Committee on Specialty Healthcare has pledged its support to advocate for increased budgetary allocation to improve blood service delivery in the country.

Lawan Ali-Shettima, Deputy Chairman of the committee, stated this during an oversight visit and roundtable discussion with the management of the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC), in Abuja.

Ali-Shettima said the visit was to discuss critical issues, especially their challenges with a view to address them and improve access to safe and quality blood service and products.

“We are looking at the way people are willingly and voluntarily coming to donate blood in this establishment.

“So, I believe with support they will acquire more equipment, more facilities to expand their offices to zonal levels.

“This is what we are suggesting. So we will do our best to see that legislatively we intervene by providing more means of funding for them to get more equipment,” he said.

On his part, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, Director-General, NBSC, said that inadequate funding had affected their operations and access to safe blood services across the country.

According to Yuguda, with more funding, the commission will be able to enhance access to safe and affordable blood components to carter for the needs of the over 200 million Nigerians.

“The major challenges we have across the country is that of equipment and other infrastructure in most of our centres, which are very old.

“We are trying to see if we can liase with the National Assembly, to come to our aid, so that we can get more funding for the commission.

“I believe that with their support, we will be able to achieve that,” he said.

While noting the scarcity of blood during emergencies, led to several deaths, Yuguda encouraged the people to regularly and voluntarily donate blood to save more lives.

The NBSC relies on a pool of regular donations by voluntary, unpaid blood donors,  it currently collects and screens approximately 25,000 units of blood from voluntary donors annually.

Less than five per cent of the total blood donation in Nigeria is being sourced from voluntary donors, with bulk of it on commercial, thus subjecting recipients to the risk of infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis among others.

An estimated 1.23 million units of blood are collected across several facilities each year, 90 per cent of which are from paid commercial donors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Health

NGO seeks more blood donors to save lives

Blood
By Sarafina Christopher and Eletta Mercy
Jela Development Initiative (JDI), an NGO, has appealed to the public to donate blood to address the shortage of blood supply in hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide.

The NGO made the appeal during a blood drive on Saturday in Abuja.

The blood drive, in collaboration with the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) and Rotary Club of Abuja is themed “Be a hero, donate blood and save lives.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Mrs Angela Omeiza, stressed the importance of providing blood donations to aid patients in life-threatening conditions.

Omeiza, represented by the NGO’s Programme Assistant, Ms Oluchi Ihezie, said that blood donation is a noble and selfless act that impact on people’s lives.

“The organisation is dedicated to promoting voluntary blood donations, recognising the challenges many face in accessing blood due to its high cost.”

Omeiza further stated that there was a surging demand for blood not only within the nation but also across the continent and globally.

“Patients requiring blood, such as those grappling with severe illnesses like cancer or undergoing intensive medical treatments, heavily rely on blood transfusions for their survival.”

Also, Mrs Omotayo Ottun, Donor Recruiter NBSC, pointed out that blood donors not only contribute to a life-saving cause but also benefit from comprehensive medical check-ups prior to donation.

“The main targets of the donation are the excess blood in your system, which the body is not using, a sachet of that blood after every three months for men and four months for women can save three people’s lives.

“Donations also help to produce new red blood cells making it more active in your system, it helps burn calories and also regulates the heart effectively,” Ottun said.

Mr Theophilus Apeh, representing the Rotary Club of Abuja Federal, commended blood donors for their invaluable contributions to the humanitarian endeavour.

Apeh also urged the relevant authorities to ensure that donated blood reached patients in need without imposing any financial burdens.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an anonymous first-time blood donor shared her experience in partaking in the noble cause and overcoming initial apprehensions surrounding blood donation.

She also expressed appreciation for the rigorous screening procedures carried out to ensure donor eligibility and blood safety.(NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

L-R: Head of Laboratory Unit, Wuse District Hospital Abuja, Mr Okafor Anayo; Blood Bank Manager, Wuse District Hospital Abuja, Ms Ijeoma Irouno and the Chairman, De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), Abuja Chapter, Mr Kolawole Otepola, during the association visit to hospitals to commemorate 2024 World Blood Donor Day in Abuja on Friday.
General News

NGO urges Nigerians to donate blood to save lives

By Sarafina Christopher

De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), a humanitarian organisation, has urged Nigerians to donate blood in order to save lives.

The Chairman, DNKI, Abuja Chapter, Mr Kolawole Otepola, made this call on Friday at the Wuse District Hospital, Abuja, during the organisation’s visit to hospitals to commemorate 2024 World Blood Donor Day.

According to Otepola, blood is God given; hence the need to reach out to others who do not have; who cannot pay and donate freely from what God has freely given.

He said that blood donation was what the organisation did on a yearly basis.

“This time, we chose Wuse hospital because we looked around; we have been to Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, Abuja six times; we have been to Maitama and Gwarinpa.

“So, we decided to go somewhere new this time; we decided to go to where our impacts will be further felt; where we have not gone before,” he said.

He advised that Nigerians should make use of the opportunity to turn out and donate blood to save lives and help humanity.

In his response, Dr Oluseyi Asaolu, Medical Director, Wuse District Hospital, said that blood was life and the act of donating it reduced the rate of death.

“Blood is very crucial to human life; everybody needs blood; when you make that intervention to donate blood, it becomes a saving moment for someone in need.

“It is a beautiful initiative when the world does a blood donation day; we are happy that this has been sustained even up till now.

“There is a need to donate blood; there is nothing you are doing with the blood just storing it there and the good thing is that if you donate blood, the body has a way of replenishing it, so it is a win-win for everybody.

“We really want to appreciate DNKI that considered Wuse District Hospital, for bringing people to donate and support what we are doing here,’’ he said.

Asaolu said that Wuse District Hospital had one of the best blood donation and blood transfusion services.

He said that the hospital maintained the services and screened blood properly before administering to the patient.

Mr Ogbobe Mathew, a member DNKI, said rendering humanitarian services to people in need was the organisation’s culture and what it did every year.

“When the organisation came up with the blood donation thing, we discussed it knowing that giving our blood will save lives

“You never can tell whose life the blood is going to be safe.

“We tend to render humanitarian service like helping people in need in order to make the society a better place,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Illustration for blood service
Health

Commission pledges accessible, affordable, safe blood for Nigerians in need

By Justina Auta

The National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) has pledged to ensure the provision of accessible, affordable and safe blood supply for all Nigerians in need.

The newly appointed Director-General of the commission, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, made the pledge on assumption of office in Abuja on Friday.

He emphasised the commission’s pivotal role of providing safe and affordable blood to citizens, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He added that “in line with our commitment to serve the Nigerian populace, it is imperative that blood is accessible to every individual in need, without financial strain.”

The NBSC boss also reiterated the commission’s mandate to save lives, alleviate sufferings, and promote wellness.

He emphasised robust governance and optimum blood supply chain to enhance the quality of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

On his part, the NBSC Head of Media and Publicity, Haruna Abdullahi, described the appointment of the new director-general as sign of renewed focus toward affordable blood services nationwide.

He said “the agenda set forth by Prof. Yuguda aligns with the mandate of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate.

“This will enhance access to safe blood and blood products nationwide, reflecting a unified effort toward achieving equitable services for all Nigerians.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Health

Blood Service Commission seeks collaboration with laboratory council

By Franca Ofili

The National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) has sought the collaboration of the
Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) for the regulation of blood related establishments.

Dr Eneye Suberu, Acting Director-General of the Commission, made the appeal in Abuja on Friday when he paid a courtesy visit to the council.

Mrs Fidelia Ginikanwa, Head, Corporate Affairs, Public Relations (MILSCN), made this known in a statement in Abuja.

According to him, the team’s visit is to express appreciation for the contributions of MLSCN in the health sector and introduce the commission’s law.

Suberu said the law had given the commission the mandate to regulate blood service all over the country.

According to him, the team will need the support of the council as a sister agency with a lot of experience in the regulatory space.

“We wish to seek your help in the regulation of blood establishments by ensuring that any medical laboratory facility seeking to register with you also has registered its blood service component with our commission.

“On our part, we will also ensure that any blood establishment seeking to register with NBSC has also registered with MLSCN, and has a medical laboratory scientist duly registered and licensed by your agency.

“This will be a mutually-beneficial relationship that will ensure that the interest of the patient is put at the front burner,” he said.

Suberu complained of the incessant cases of inter-professional rivalry or rancour among health professionals, saying that they were unnecessary.

“Our patients should always be our focus.

“There should be no superiority or inferiority complex among health professionals; instead, we should focus on the quality of service that should benefit the people of this country.

“Therefore, we must learn to work together to move the country forward,” he said.

Responding, Executive Officer, Dr Tosan Erhabor of the council, commended his counterpart for the visit.

Erhabor assured him that the council as an organisation driven by quality, safety, and sustainability, was always willing to collaborate with like-minded organizations to meet the yearnings of the patients for quality service.

“The interest of the patients should be paramount to all of us as health professionals.

“We are glad that you have come to seek collaboration with us, and we are willing to explore ways of working with your commission,” he said.

Erhabor requested the visitors to come up with a framework on how the collaboration could work.

He said that the council would do likewise, adding that both teams could meet at an agreed date in the future to harmonise positions as a prelude to a proper Memorandum of Understanding.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Health

Innovation key to safe, available blood transfusion in Nigeria – FG

By Folasade Akpan

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Ms Kachollom Daju, says innovation is key to enhancing the availability, safety and effectiveness of blood transfusion in Nigeria.

She said this in Abuja, during the society’s 50th anniversary and Annual General and Scientific Meeting with the theme ‘Our Past, Our Present, Our Future’.

Daju was represented by Dr Kingsley Odiabara, Director, Medical Laboratory Services Division in the ministry.

According to her, advances in science and technology are opening new frontiers in blood transfusion, from improved compatibility testing to the development of artificial blood products.

“These innovations hold the key to enhancing the availability, safety and effectiveness of blood transfusion in Nigeria.

“However, it is important that safety of blood and blood products as well as their quality are addressed by this noble society.

“As we gather here today, let us commit ourselves to the noble goal of ensuring that every citizen who needs blood transfusion can access it with minimal cost, safely and without delay.

“Let us also acknowledge the importance of a strong blood donation culture and infrastructure, as blood donors are the lifeblood of our system.”

Daju said that blood transfusion has been a cornerstone of modern medicine and its impact on healthcare cannot be overstated.

She referred to it as a lifeline for countless patients, a testament to the power of science, and a tribute to the selflessness of blood donors.

While urging the society to work closely with the National Blood Transfusion Commission (NBTC), she enjoined it to go beyond the level of just reading films only.

She said the society should be talking about developing innovative concepts and developing products that would speak to the level of expertise available in Nigeria.

“We should move this society to the next level of technological development because the entire Africa is looking up to Nigeria,” she added.

The Chairman of the meeting, Dr Jafar Momoh, said that over the past 50 years, the society has been a beacon of excellence, pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge and technological advancement to enhance the quality of healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.

He added that the theme of the meeting was a call to action urging the society to harness the remarkable advancements in science and technology to propel the field forward.

“As we face global health challenges and witness the rapid evolution of medical knowledge, it is our responsibility to remain at the forefront of innovation, through local and international collaborations and adapting our practices to ensure the highest standard of patient care.

“Innovation, however, is not solely confined to the laboratory or the operating room. It extends to our approach to patient engagement, education and advocacy.

“Let us also reaffirm our commitment to raising public awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and its impact on saving lives.”

Momoh who is a former Chief Medical Director, National Hospital Abuja, said that each drop of blood donated represents a selfless act of kindness, a gift that knows no borders and transcends all differences.

The Director-General of the NBTC, Dr Omale Amedu, said that the commission was established to regulate, coordinate and ensure the availability of blood and blood products in Nigeria.

He also said that all efforts should be made to ensure that blood services in the country lives up to expectations.

He added that blood being life, it was central to every aspect of medicine.

“Whichever field you operate in medicine you need blood to keep your patient alive and therefore this society is one of the most critical societies in the health sector.

“So I want to challenge you. The commission is there and we have put in place for you 10 years basic plan which should be reviewed as needed.

“However, if you are not there to oil it and make it work, it will be one of those jamboree agencies that will live but not bright enough to achieve its objectives,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Health

NBSC seeks improved partnerships, awareness for voluntary blood donation

 

By Joy Odigie

 

The National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) has stressed the need for stronger partnerships and awareness for Voluntary Non Remunerated Donors (VNRD) to donate blood to increase reserves in the country.

Prof. Kenneth Halim, the Zonal Director, NBSC South South Office, Benin, made the call during an event to commemorate the 2023 World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) in Benin on Wednesday.

Halim noted that there was a need to increase the blood reserves in each zonal centre in keeping with the 10-year strategic plan to have or warehouse one million units.

He said that only a low supply, approximately 25,000 units, was obtained from VNRD in Nigeria.

He added that “we need at least two million units yearly. It is unacceptable that less than 10 per cent of eligible adults donate blood voluntarily, as most donors are commercially induced, approximately 60 per cent.

“Comparatively the 25,000 units in Nigeria is much lower than the U.S.A with 6.8 million units from VNRD, and 25 per cent of eligible adults, while South Africa has 11 per cent for eligible adult donors. We need to upscale our figures in Nigeria.”

He, however, called for proper screening of VNRD, noting that one in 10 HIV cases were due to unscreened transfused blood.

He explained that the 2023 WBDD slogan focused on patients requiring life-long transfusion and underlined the role every individual could play by giving the valuable gift of blood or plasma.

He said the commemoration of the WBDD is to celebrate and thank individuals who donate blood and encourage more people to become new donors as well.

“It is also to mobilise support at national, regional and global levels among governments and development partners to invest, strengthen and sustain national blood programme.

“It highlights the importance of giving blood or plasma regularly to create a safe and sustainable supply of blood and blood products that can always be available.”

The zonal director appealed to the private sector to invest in technology and WBDD programme to upscale blood availability for transfusion in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the slogan for the 2023 WBDD is “Give Blood, Give Plasma, Share Life, Share Often.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu