Make blood donation a habit- Haematologist urges Nigerians

Prof. Akanmu

A Consultant Haematologist, Prof. Suleiman Akanmu, has called on Nigerians to make blood donation a regular thing in order to be free from diseases related to excess amount of iron in the body.

He also said they will enjoy mental effects of donating blood regularly which results to good physical well-being as well as have ability to break down fat in their body.

Akanmu gave this advice recently at a programme to commemorate the 2019 World Blood Donor Day organised by the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, in Lagos, saying regular blood donation would also protect the donor from disease metabolism or metabolic syndrome.

With the theme for 2019 World Blood Donor Day campaign, ‘Safe Blood For All’

Akanmu said transfusion of blood and blood products help and save millions of lives every year.

He said: “People need to know that it is very safe to donate blood and when they donate blood on regular basis, they have huge medical advantages. One of the huge medical advantages of donating blood is that the donor will never suffer from diseases related to excess amount of iron in the body.

“There are also mental effects of donating blood regularly which results to good physical well-being. Also, donating blood on regular basis helps the donor to break down fat in their body.’’

He also advised that people should not be scared of donating blood because medical experts are careful not to jeopardize their life by ensuring  they are  medically fit and have sufficient blood before proceeding.

“Part of the major reason we celebrate the World Blood Donor Day  is to let the people know the health benefits of donating blood regularly. We also celebrate today, to say thank you to individuals who have been donating blood voluntarily to save the life of other people.

“We want to use this opportunity to highlight the urgent need in every hospital that they must operate a full blood bank. There should be sufficient blood in hospitals in order to meet the needs of people who have hemorrhagic challenges, women who keep bleeding after delivery babies, mass causalities bleeding to death and so on.

“Within a minute or maximum 60 seconds, a human being that is bleeding can die without urgent attention. There is a need to ensure that we put necessary system in place that allows our blood bank to always be prepared with stored blood,” he explained.

The programme also witnessed recognition of regular blood donors in LUTH who were all awarded for their humanitarian services.

One of the awardees, Mr Ifeanyi Ugochukwu, a Real Estate Agent, said blood donation is part of service to humanity meant to appreciate God for giving blood freely.

“Donating blood is a very good experience, anytime I donate blood, it gives me joy because I know I am saving lives. I started donating blood twice in a year since 2017; my advice to people is to donate blood regularly because we do not know who might need it,” he said.

As for Mr Olalekan Jaiyeoba, a Clerical Officer with LUTH, he was motivated to donate blood regularly because he has special interest in people’s life.

He said: “I have been joyfully donating blood since 2016 and has donated nine pints of blood. I always feel refreshed after donating; I don’t mind donating everyday if possible. People should know that they are someone’s hero by donating blood.”