The Red Cross Society of Nigeria has charged citizens of the country to donate blood in order to save lives.
The Chairman of Nasarawa State branch of the Society, Dr Justina Kotso, made this called during the commomeration of 2025 World Blood Donor Day in Lafia, the state capital.
Dr Kotso who was represented by the state secretary, Mr Jerry Kuje said the aim of Red Cross is to support humanity, explaining that the society in collaboration with the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia to organised a free blood donation to save lives.
The chairman therefore encouraged individuals to donate blood to save patients who are in need of it.
She appreciated the hospital for its partnership and called for sustenance.
On his part, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, FUTH, Lafia Dr. Ikrama Hassan is represented by the Director of Medical Laboratory Services, Dr. Zakau Ahmadou. I appreciate the donor partners for the support to humanity in all aspects of human services.
He said blood was an essential product in human life, and it can not be replaced if given saying “who give blood saves life.”
The CMD assured of making judicious use of the blood where necessary even as he refutes claims by some persons that the hospital sells blood.
“We don’t sell blood. We collect money for screening, and the blood you donated today would be given to those who are in direct need of it.”
Also speaking, Head of Haematology, Bakare Ganiu explained the benefits of a blood donation saying “a donor is a person that intend to save life, blood has no substitute as giving a blood means saving a life.”
“Giving out blood has no negative effect because each time you donate blood, new cells are produced, which helps in the growth of humans.”
“Donating blood also avail individual the opportunity of knowing of his/her current health status due to the series of screening been conducted before receiving the blood from the donor.”
He further urged people to avail themselves of donating blood in order to save a life.