Nigerian Blood Agency Boss Calls For Voluntary Blood Donation, Seeks Media Advocacy

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Director-General of the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), Prof. Saleh Yuguda, has urged Nigerians to embrace voluntary blood donation, stressing that the need extends far beyond accident victims to women and children battling life-threatening conditions.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, during a worship held in collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Journalists FCT correspondents chapel, Prof. Yuguda explained that thousands of women facing childbirth complications and children with severe illnesses rely on timely blood transfusions.

He discouraged Nigerians from donating blood for financial rewards, warning that such practices undermine the core principle of safe, voluntary blood donation.

“Blood donation is not only for accident victims. Thousands of women, especially during childbirth, and children suffering from various conditions rely on timely blood transfusion to survive. It is not for financial gain; it is a humanitarian act and must remain so,” he said.

Addressing cultural and religious misconceptions, the NBSA boss emphasised that blood donation is neither evil nor spiritually dangerous.

“Blood donation saves lives. No one should be afraid to donate out of fear or misinformation,” he said.

Prof. Yuguda also appealed to journalists to take up advocacy, saying their voices are vital in dispelling myths and creating awareness at the grassroots.

“The media plays a critical role. Without you, we cannot reach the grassroots effectively,” he noted.

Highlighting operational challenges, he revealed that the agency continues to face a shortage of trained personnel in rural communities. To address this, NBSA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with local government councils to establish at least one blood collection and storage facility in every LGA.

He further disclosed that the agency has adopted solar-powered refrigeration systems to maintain the safety and shelf-life of blood, particularly in areas with unreliable electricity supply.

On eligibility, Prof. Yuguda clarified that individuals with controlled hypertension or diabetes can safely donate blood.

“If your blood pressure or blood sugar is well-managed, you can donate. We encourage more people in this category to come forward,” he said.

Concluding his address, Prof. Yuguda described blood donation as a civic duty, urging Nigerians to see it as a shared responsibility. “This act of kindness could one day save the life of a loved one,” he added.