Professor. Musa Abidemi Muhibi of the Edo State University Uzairue, has said that Nigeria required a minimum of 1.8 million units of blood per year to meet the blood transfusion need of its citizens.
Prof Muhibi, a Professor of Haematology of the university revealed this while delivering the 7th inaugural lecture series of the university titled “The Cycle in Blood Safety: Being Efficiently, Selfish and Effectively Generous.”
He also doubles as the dean of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences adding that the rate of blood donation in Nigeria is low, with only maximum of 10 per cent of blood donor being voluntary donors.
According to him, the majority of blood donations come from family replacement donors, some of who are not adequately screened for blood borne infections and other health conditions.
“Nigeria has one of lowest voluntary blood donation rates globally, with only 10 per cent of blood supply coming from voluntary donors. The majority of the blood supply, 60 per cent, comes from family replacement donors while 30 per cent comes from paid blood donors.
“Therefore, strategies aimed at promoting voluntary blood donation are needed in Nigeria to increase the availability of safe blood and meet the high demand for blood transfusions”, he said.
The professor of hematology noted that the demand for blood transfusion is high in Nigeria, as the country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally and increased prevalence of infectious diseases such as malaria which require blood transfusion.
He said blood transfusion is a crucial aspect of healthcare services, particularly in emergency situations and during medical procedures like surgeries, adding that it can save lives by providing blood for transfusion to patients in need of blood.
The Don highlighted factors affecting voluntary blood donation in Nigeria to fear of needles, lack of trust in the healthcare system, inadequate awareness, cultural and religious beliefs.
He, however, called for public awareness and education campaign on the important of blood donation and the benefits of voluntary donation.
Earlier, the vice chancellor of the institution, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor said the lecture became imperative as it highlights the important of promoting voluntary blood donation and sustainable blood transfusion system in the country.
While congratulating the inaugural lecturer, his family members and loved ones for this achievement, he said “this is a significant milestone in your academic career, and I am confident that you will continue to make invaluable contributions to the field of blood safety. I wish you better days ahead and I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success”.
The VC particularly commended the Medical Laboratory Science Department of the university for producing a second inaugural lecturer this year and also for having a 100% pass rate in their professional examinations
He, however, used the opportunity to appreciate the hard-working staff whose dedication and commitment have brought numerous accolades to the university.
“I am proud to be associated with a team of individuals who work tirelessly to achieve excellence in all their endeavors. I commend your efforts and urged you to continue to work together to take our university to greater heights”, he concluded.
