The National Orientation Agency, NOA, has appealed to Nigerians to embrace the culture of voluntary blood donation as a vital act of humanity and life-saving gesture and solidarity.
The Akwa Ibom Director of the agency, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, in a statement issued in Uyo on Sunday and made available to newsmen, appealed to individuals, groups, and organizations to see blood donation as a moral obligation to save lives rather than merely a medical necessity.”
He said the call came as part of the global celebration of World Blood Donor Day, observed annually on June 14, to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products.
He further said that the day is also used to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving contributions.
“Blood donation is a life-saving act of solidarity.
“Every pint of blood donated can save up to three lives.
“It is a selfless gesture that binds us as a community, especially in times of emergency,” Mkpoutom said.
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According to him, regular blood donation ensures that hospitals and health centers have an adequate supply of safe blood for patients undergoing surgeries, accident victims and mothers with pregnancy complications, among others.
The state NOA boss, therefore, appealed to healthy individuals above 18 to regularly visit designated health facilities and blood banks to donate blood.
“We must move from emergency-driven blood donation to a consistent culture of voluntary donation.
“Let us make it a habit, not just a reaction to a crisis,” Mkpoutom said.
He commended existing donors in the country for their humanitarian efforts and encouraged more citizens to join the cause.
He said that every drop of blood donated “is a lifeline to someone in need”.
NAN
