Reason you must donate blood voluntarily - LSG.

             

As the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) begins voluntary blood donation activities in 2025, residents have been urged to participate fully by donating blood to save lives.

The Executive Secretary, of LSBTS, Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, who made the call at the official launch of the program at Alausa Ikeja, said, every day, countless lives depend on the generosity of voluntary, non-remunerated donors, but expressed dismay that, cultural myths and limited awareness have hindered the growth of the lifesaving culture in Lagos State.

She emphasized the critical importance of voluntary blood donation, saying, "Blood is a precious and irreplaceable resource that cannot be manufactured ". 

Dr Osikomaiya painted a stark picture of the current blood reserve levels in Lagos and reiterated the service’s commitment to addressing the challenge. 

"At present, our blood reserves are critically low, posing a severe risk to the health and well-being of our citizens, noting that, to bridge the gap, " we have implemented stringent safety protocols to ensure a safe and rewarding experience for donors and recipients alike." She noted 

The campaign, which commenced in Ikeja, marks the first in a series of community outreach initiatives designed to raise awareness and mobilize Lagosians to donate blood voluntarily. "We are calling on individuals, corporate organizations, faith-based groups, and community leaders to join this noble cause, explaining that, blood donation is not just a medical necessity, it is an act of humanity and kindness," Dr. Osikomaiya added.

According to her, LSBTS will engage in community sensitization drives, media campaigns, and stakeholder collaborations throughout the month to demystify blood donation. "Our goal is to make blood donation a civic duty ingrained in our culture. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. 

" Let us give this precious gift and ensure no one in Lagos suffers due to a lack of safe blood," she appealed.

Speaking in the same vein, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi further stressed the significance of the campaign, promising that the government will combat myths and misconceptions through outreach in markets, offices, and motor parks.

 "The focus is to ensure Lagosians understand the safety and importance of blood donation, by recognizing regular donors and encouraging new ones, we hope to maintain a steady blood supply in our blood banks," she said.

Director of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Mrs. Wuraola Makinde underscored the critical role of blood donation in emergencies. "Emergencies happen unexpectedly, and blood is essential for resuscitating victims of accidents and other critical conditions, noting that, the campaign is vital because the availability of blood can mean the difference between life and death," she remarked, urging residents to donate blood willingly.

 Recounted the prompt response to the victims of the Lagos train-bus collision in 2023, Mrs Makinde emphasized how the availability of blood donations saved the lives of those involved in the accident. 

"When you donate blood, you save lives, including the possibility of saving your own or that of your loved ones in the future," she added.

A passionate plea also came from Mr Jonathan Aghoro, a volunteer with the Nigerian Red Cross Society. Addressing societal myths, he expressed disappointment at the reluctance of some Lagosians to donate blood due to cultural and religious beliefs. 

"People fear their blood will be used for rituals or sold, which is far from the truth. Blood is life, and donating it is a humanitarian duty. We need to change this mindset through education and awareness campaigns like this one," he stated.

Mr. Aghoro shared his optimism about the campaign's impact, noting an increase in public participation in recent blood drives. "This outreach will help dispel misconceptions and encourage more people to join the cause. It is heartwarming to see the progress we are making," he concluded.

Themed "Blood, A Precious Gift: Give to Save Lives," the campaign which aims to combat the shortage of safe blood and foster a culture of generosity across Lagos, sets the stage for a sustainable voluntary blood donation culture that will ensure that no life is lost due to lack of safe blood. 

Residents are encouraged to visit designated centers and give the gift of life.