The Federal Government has announced a new initiative to establish Blood Collection Centres in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, which also includes the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The primary goal of this program is to ensure that blood is readily accessible during emergencies and for transfusions. Abdullahi Haruna, the Head of Media and Publicity at the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), conveyed this information in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.
Prof. Saleh Yuguda, who serves as the Director-General of NBSA, underscored the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of blood shortages in Nigeria, noting that this effort will be vital in saving lives. He remarked, “We are dedicated to ensuring that the blood supply is sufficient to meet demand, and this initiative represents a significant advancement towards that objective.” To bolster their efforts, the NBSA has partnered with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to develop a comprehensive blood bank within the Corps’ medical facility. “This collaboration aims to ease blood shortages during critical situations and to support our security agencies effectively,” he explained.
To launch this blood collection initiative, the FCT will feature conveniently located facilities for blood collection. This approach is anticipated to enhance blood donation rates and maintain a steady supply for healthcare requirements. “The creation of these blood collection centres across Nigeria showcases the government’s commitment to improving our healthcare system. As this project progresses, Nigerians can anticipate better access to blood transfusions and improved health outcomes,” he concluded.
