Lagos Launches Blood Donation Drive As Hospitals Face Urgent Need

(Lagos Officials For Blood Donation. Photo by Nation News)

Lagos State has started a campaign to get more people to donate blood regularly.

The state says blood is needed urgently and having enough available can save lives.

The campaign began this week with an advocacy walk and one-on-one talks with residents at Jubilee Bridge and Jubilee Market in Ajah.

A blood mobile was on hand to collect blood from willing donors.

The state plans to run ten such programmes across all twenty local government areas, including areas like Ojo, Ibeju-Lekki, Badagry and Epe.

At the Maternal and Child Centre in Eti-Osa, officials gave blood bags, gloves, sample bottles and donor forms to support blood collection.

Residents who donate and get a voluntary blood donation card can receive blood without paying money out of pocket.

The doctor at the centre said blood is especially critical during emergencies involving pregnant women and people who are bleeding.

He recalled times when the hospital needed blood urgently and said timely access to blood can determine whether a patient lives or dies.

He encouraged husbands of pregnant women to donate blood every three months.

One donor who has given blood thirteen times said it is simple and not something people should only do for relatives or friends in emergency situations.

He urged eligible residents to donate every three months, saying it is a straightforward act that saves lives.

New donors also shared their stories, encouraging others to overcome fear and donate, describing it as a way of giving back to society and helping people in need.