Coordinator of National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS), Abuja Centre, Dr Omo Izedonmwen, has advised Nigerians to imbibe the culture of regular blood donation as a way of boosting their health status.
Izedonmwen gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja.
“Some have come to donate blood and discovered that they were not even healthy enough to donate; some donors may even have high blood pressure or other transmissible diseases.
“No harm can come from donating blood; you gain more when you donate blood, as it is an avenue for replenishing your body.
“Donating blood can save the lives of thousands of Nigerians desperately in need of safe blood,” he said.
Izedonmwen, however, urged Nigerians to take important decision of becoming voluntary non-remunerated blood donors.
He advised Nigerians to take blood donation seriously, as its benefit outweighs its disadvantages.
He said the decision to become a blood donor means that one was committed to participating in a vital community services.
He also said the organisation has various measures to protect the health and well-being of both blood donors and recipients, adding that the blood is the safest in the country.
“Common reasons given by people who don’t donate blood are that, `they have never thought about it, they don’t like needles.’ It is time to start thinking about it today, or muster up the courage to overcome your fear of needles, as giving blood doesn’t only help others but it helps you too,’’ Izedonmwen said.
He said the majority of transfusions were given to women with haemorrhage, children with severe anaemia, accident victims, surgical and cancer patients.

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