Blood donation advocacy strengthened: KB Club teams up with Oba Elegushi Foundation for increased drives

In a commendable initiative, the KB Klub, in partnership with the Oba Elegushi Foundation, recently held the second edition of their blood donation drive, tagged "Your Power to Gift Life 2.0". The aim of this project is to address the critical issues of blood shortage in Nigeria and raise awareness of the need for safe blood through voluntary donors.

Dr Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, has emphasized the importance of this initiative. He underscores the need for continued advocacy on blood donation, particularly in light of the fact that Nigeria requires 1.8 million units of blood annually, but currently gets less than 500 units from voluntary blood donation.

The blood collected during this drive will be taken to Lagos State's blood transfusion centres and designated hospitals for processing and screening. Once screened, the blood will be distributed to various hospitals, including Lagos State Accident and Emergency, general hospitals across six local government areas, and other designated hospitals.

The benefits of blood donation are twofold. On one hand, donors experience a sense of altruism and satisfaction, knowing they have potentially saved a life. On the other hand, recipients, particularly those with sickle cell disease, anaemia, and those who require blood transfusions due to accidents or surgery, stand to gain life-saving treatment.

Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate/Elegushi Kingdom has also emphasised the benefits of blood donation, highlighting its importance in saving lives.

Osikomaiya's team has been visiting communities to educate about voluntary blood donation, blood needs, and collection processes. Despite the education efforts, many people still have misconceptions and false information about blood donation.

The initiative aims to raise 3,000 pints of blood. The blood donation exercise was simultaneously ongoing in seven locations in Lagos, including Surulere, Teslim Balogun Stadium; Ikorodu General Hospital; UNILAG Indoor Sports Centre; Jara Mall, Ikeja; Tinubu Square, Lagos Island; and an unspecified location.

Notably, the Lagos State Government has made provisions for indigent individuals and those with sickle cell disorder to access blood from the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee's blood banks without paying out-of-pocket.

The partners of the "Your Power to Gift Life 2.0" blood donation competition, besides the Oba Elegushi Foundation and the KB-Klub, include the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service and the Lagos State Government. The project has also partnered with regulatory bodies, including the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

Yvonne Jegede, a Nigerian actress and producer, has expressed admiration for the selfless act of blood donation and emphasizes the need for increased awareness about voluntary blood donation in Nigeria. She encourages other foundations to emulate this initiative and expresses gratitude to the Oba Elegushi Foundation and partners for their efforts.

Processed and screened blood is deemed fit for use after transmissible infectious agents have been removed. The initiative is a significant step towards ensuring the availability of safe blood for those in need.