BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
IN commemoration of World Blood Donor Day, the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) Delta State Branch, in partnership with the Maden Healthcare Foundation and Federal Medical Centre Asaba, has called on the public to prioritise voluntary blood donation and address the rising challenges surrounding access to safe blood.
Speaking during the event yesterday, the Branch Secretary of the NRSC Delta State Chapter, Mr. Charles Arinomor highlighted the significance of this year’s theme: “Honouring the Heroes of Life.”
He praised voluntary blood donors as lifesaving heroes, underscoring the critical role they play in a healthcare system where blood cannot be artificially produced and is in constant demand.
“There are many patients in hospitals who require blood transfusions, yet access is often limited not because of money, but due to lack of supply. Even with funding, fresh blood is not always readily available,” Aarinomor explained.
He addressed widespread misconceptions about blood donation, stressing that rumours suggesting donated blood is diverted or misused are unfounded.
“We have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba. Blood collected from voluntary donors is provided free to those in need. However, the cost of screening and storage remains a major challenge.”
Arinomor urged individuals and organisations to support the effort by helping to finance the processes involved in blood banking. Though some hospitals still issue blood at subsidised rates, the ultimate goal is to provide it free of charge to all who need it.
Arinomor noted that media campaigns across radio, television, and social platforms have yielded increased donor turnout. He called on the state government to convene stakeholders to find a sustainable, coordinated approach, as this is a shared responsibility.
In the same vein, the Director of Medical Laboratory Services at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Dr. Mfonobong Effiong, highlighted the importance of the 2025 World Blood Donor Day theme: “Give Blood, Give Hope.”
She noted that the theme underscores the need to promote professionalism in healthcare delivery, particularly in the area of voluntary blood donation. According to her, ongoing efforts to raise awareness and mobilise public participation are critical to saving lives.
Effiong emphasised that blood donation is vital in many medical situations, including the treatment of accident victims, cancer patients, and women facing complications during childbirth.
In such cases, she noted, donated blood is not just helpful, it can be the difference between life and death. Similarly, the Health and Care Officer of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Del ta State Chapter, Joseph Oduah, stressed that blood cannot be manufactured or synthetically produced, it can only come from another human being.
This, he said, is why the Red Cross continues to appeal to well-meaning individuals to step forward and donate. He addressed concerns from those interested in donating but hesitant due to fear or misinformation, offering reassurance about the safety of the process. “There are thorough procedures in place to protect both the donor and the recipient.
