A professor of Haematology in the Edo State University, Uzairue, Musa Abidemi Muhibi, has said the country required a minimum of 1.8 million units of blood per year to meet the blood transfusion needs of its citizens.
He also said “60 per cent of blood supply comes from family replacement donors while 30 per cent comes from paid blood donors.”
Prof Muhibi disclosed this while delivering the 7th Inaugural Lecture Series of the University entitled, “The Cycle in Blood Safety: Being Efficiently, Selfish and Effectively Generous.”
He said the rate of blood donation in the country was low, with only maximum of 10 per cent of blood donors 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.
“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.
On his part, the vice-chancellor of the institution, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, said the lecture became imperative as “it highlights the importance of promoting voluntary blood donation and sustainable blood transfusion system in the country.”