The National Blood Service Commission (NBSC), on Tuesday encouraged more Nigerians not to run away from voluntarily donation of blood to those in need.
The commission’s acting State Director for Enugu Centre, Mrs Irene Igweze, also thanked Nigerians who had been making blood donations to save others’ lives.
Igweze made the assertion in Enugu at an event to commemorate this year’s World Blood Donor Day, with the theme “Donating blood is an act of solidarity”.
Igweze said that some good Nigerians had demonstrated a high level of charity by donating their blood to save non relatives who were in dire need of blood.
According to her, blood donation is healthy and people who engage in it, will not contact disease as it is being speculated because it is done through safe techniques.
“We take people’s history such as weight, pulse, blood pressure and check blood percentage as well as quantity. If we notice any deficiency, the person will not be allowed to donate.
“The pre-donation counseling helps us to determine if the donor has eaten, sick and we mostly give them fluid to drink,” she said.
The commission’s director noted that the lack of awareness had been a major challenge, adding that if people are aware, they would voluntarily come for blood donation.
Igweze also said that a large number of people are not interested in blood donation due to perceived fear and hunger.
“Another of our setback is fund, vehicle and machines to do the work effectively.
“Our blood is also more reliable due to the type of machines we use,” she added.
Igweze also enjoined Nigerians to be willing to donate blood to save lives, as anybody could become a victim of accident that would be in need of blood.
A blood donor, Prince Henry Onyeulor, described blood donation as an obligation, urging people to visit any blood donor centre to donate blood to those in need.
“You can never tell when it will be your turn in need of blood, and I have engaged myself in it for years but nothing has happened to me,” he said.
Another donor, Mr Michael Ukaegbu, also said that is always happy donating his blood for others to live, describing it as “charitable work worthy of emulation”.
According to him, “giving life is paramount because when we are in need it, blood is very important.
“They will check you and know the blood that will sustain you before allowing you to donate,” he said. (NAN)
