The Director-General of the National Blood Service Agency, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s critical blood shortage, disclosing that the country supplies less than 30 per cent of its blood needs.
This shortfall, he said, contributes significantly to preventable deaths, particularly among road accident victims.
Speaking at the third National Blood Donor Day celebration held at the Family Worship Centre, Abuja, on Sunday, Yuguda lamented the reluctance of healthy Nigerians to voluntarily donate blood.
The event aimed to encourage voluntary blood donation and enlist the support of religious leaders in mobilizing their communities.
Yuguda stated, “Blood is a very scarce commodity in our society. According to the World Health Organisation, Nigeria is severely deficient in blood supply, with less than 30 per cent of our needs being met.
This shortage is largely because healthy individuals are unwilling to donate blood.”
The DG stressed the life-saving impact of voluntary blood donation, noting that one pint of blood can save up to three lives.
He added that the majority of deaths resulting from road traffic accidents are due to the unavailability of blood for transfusions.
“In road accidents, many victims could be saved if blood was readily available. That is why we are calling on all willing Nigerians to donate blood freely.
It is an act of humanity that not only saves lives but also benefits the donors,” Yuguda said.
Faith Communities as Lifesavers
In a bid to address the shortage, the agency has intensified community engagement, particularly with religious bodies.
Prof. Yuguda highlighted the role of faith-based organizations in promoting voluntary blood donation, noting their influence in driving societal change.
“We are engaging religious leaders to mobilize their congregations to support this life-saving cause. Religious bodies can play a pivotal role in achieving self-sufficiency in blood supply,” he added.
Pastor Wilson Akubo of the Family Worship Centre also called on religious leaders across Nigeria to rally their followers.
Representing the church’s Senior Pastor, Serah Omakwu, Akubo emphasized the spiritual and humanitarian significance of blood donation.
“For over 20 years, our church has been actively involved in saving lives through blood donation. I urge all churches, pastors, and imams to inspire their members to donate blood willingly. It is a service to God and humanity,” Akubo said.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has consistently underscored the importance of blood transfusion in saving lives and improving health.
However, the global health body notes a stark disparity in blood access between low- and high-income countries.
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