Lagos State Government has adopted measures to improve Public Healthcare, launched Local Government Blood Donation, while encouraging voluntary donation.

The Lagos State Government, accordingly, commenced grassroots advocacy in Ajah, Eti-Osa LGA, to sensitize people on voluntary blood donation as a lifestyle, with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) urging residents to donate regularly to ensure blood is available when urgently needed.

The campaign began on Monday, August 24, with an advocacy walk and one-on-one sensitisation at Jubilee Bridge and Jubilee Market in Ajah, Eti-Osa Local Government Area. The Executive Secretary of LSBTS, Dr Bodunrin Osikomaiya, said the exercise was the first of 10 advocacy and sensitisation programmes planned across the 20 local government areas in the state. She said the campaign would also cover Ojo, Ibeju-Lekki, Badagry, Epe and Lagos Island.

Osikomaiya said residents could donate through the blood mobile stationed at the venue or at designated government hospitals. She commended the Lagos State Government for providing the funds, personnel and logistics to strengthen the state’s blood supply system, stressing that safe blood remained a priority.

At MCC Eti-Osa, she presented blood bags, gloves, sample bottles, donor forms, information materials and voluntary blood donation cards to support blood collection. She explained that holders of the voluntary blood donation card would be entitled to receive blood without out-of-pocket payment.

The Medical Director, MCC Eti-Osa, Dr Olufemi Aletan, said the facility’s partnership with LSBTS was critical, particularly, in emergencies involving pregnant women and bleeding patients. He recalled instances where patients required fresh frozen plasma and disclosed that the hospital was working towards establishing its own independent blood bank. He urged residents, especially husbands of pregnant women, to donate regularly to support safe antenatal care and deliveries.

Thirteen-time donor, Mr Olawale Alaba, urged eligible residents to donate every three months, saying blood donation was simple and should not be reserved for emergencies involving relatives. Mr Taiwo Abifarin, a two-time donor, said he donated to save lives and give back to society.

First-time donors Messrs Abdullahi Mohammed, Rabiu Abiodun and Gbadamosi Sulaiman also encouraged residents to overcome fear and embrace voluntary donation. Sulaiman described it as a citizen’s responsibility, recalling his child’s previous need for blood.

Edited By BEN JAZMINE, Health Reporter