The Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) has flagged off the Year 2025 Voluntary Blood Donation Awareness Month with an appeal to residents to embrace voluntary blood donation as a lifesaving act.
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, was kicked off at the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja with the distribution of leaflets, pasting of call-to-action stickers on vehicles, advocacy visit to stakeholders and community engagement. The train also moved around parks, garages and markets around the Ikeja Under Bridge axis as well as the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) community.
In her opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the LSBTS, Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya emphasised the critical importance of voluntary blood donation. “Blood is a precious and irreplaceable resource that cannot be manufactured. Every day, countless lives depend on the generosity of voluntary, non-remunerated donors. Unfortunately, cultural myths and limited awareness have hindered the growth of this life-saving culture in Lagos State,” she stated.
Dr. Osikomaiya painted a stark picture of the current blood reserve levels in Lagos and reiterated the service’s commitment to addressing this challenge. “At present, our blood reserves are critically low, posing a severe risk to the health and well-being of our citizens. To bridge this gap, we have implemented stringent safety protocols to ensure a safe and rewarding experience for donors and recipients alike.”
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. Blood donation is not just a medical necessity; it is an act of humanity and kindness,” Dr. Osikomaiya added.
She explained that the LSBTS will engage in community sensitization drives, media campaigns, and stakeholder collaborations to demystify blood donation throughout the month. “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 noted, expressing gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Ministry of Health, and other partners for their support.
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. She highlighted the government’s plan to 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 recognising 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. This campaign is vital because the availability of blood can mean the difference between life and death,” she remarked, urging residents to donate blood willingly.
Citing a past example, Mrs. Makinde recounted the prompt response to the victims of the Lagos train-bus collision in 2023, emphasising how the availability of blood donations had saved numerous lives. “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’s heartwarming to see the progress we are making,” he concluded.
As the awareness month unfolds, the LSBTS will continue its activities across Lagos, with donation centres at strategic locations such as LASUTH, Gbagada General Hospital, and all General Hospitals in the State. This year’s campaign has set the stage for a sustainable voluntary blood donation culture in Lagos State, ensuring that no life is lost due to the unavailability of safe blood. Residents are encouraged to visit designated centres and give the gift of life.
