The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the National Blood Agency are set to establish blood collection centres across the country.
Disclosing this on Monday, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said the initiative was in order to ensure that blood was readily available for medical emergencies and transfusions across all the 774 Local Government Areas in the country including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to Professor Saleh Yuguda, Director General of the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), the government is committed to addressing the blood shortage in the country.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that blood needs are adequately addressed, and this initiative is a significant step towards achieving that goal,” he said.
Deputy Commandant, Emeka Okeke of the NSCDC emphasized the importance of the partnership, saying it will play a vital role in addressing blood shortages and saving lives.
TheFact Daily learns that to kickstart the blood collection project, the FCT will host strategic blood collection facilities in easily accessible locations. This move is expected to increase blood donation rates and ensure a steady supply of blood for medical purposes.
Medical experts have hailed this initiative as a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s blood shortage, while Seun Fapohunda, a quality officer in the NBSA, describes the initiative as “a critical move to ensure that blood is available when needed, and it will undoubtedly save countless lives”.
“The establishment of blood collection centers across Nigeria is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the country’s healthcare system. As the project rolls out, Nigerians can expect improved access to blood transfusions and better health outcomes”, the NSCDC said.
