The Lagos State Government has renewed efforts to ensure a safe, adequate, and sustainable blood supply with a renewed awareness and donor mobilisation campaign held in Ikeja.
Eko Hot News reports that the Voluntary Blood Donation Awareness and One-to-One Sensitisation Campaign was organised by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) on Tuesday at the Lagos State Government Secretariat Community, Alausa-Ikeja.
The campaign formed part of activities marking the LSBTS Blood Awareness Month and focused on promoting voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation among residents.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said Lagos requires between 200,000 and 250,000 units of blood annually to meet healthcare demands for its growing population.
He disclosed that the state recorded about 141,000 units of blood in the last cycle, representing nearly 70 per cent of the target, and commended voluntary donors for supporting emergency care.
Prof. Abayomi described blood as a “liquid organ,” stressing that transfusion procedures must follow strict scientific protocols to guarantee safety for recipients.
He assured residents that blood donation poses no health risk to eligible donors and urged young people to make donation a regular civic responsibility.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, noted that blood demand cuts across childbirth complications, surgeries, road incidents, and other medical emergencies.
She stated that the LASG has modernised blood transfusion services through digitisation, improved tracking systems, and enhanced safety standards.
Dr. Ogunyemi added that strict screening processes protect both donors and recipients while ensuring only safe blood is released to health facilities.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide, described blood as a critical resource for effective healthcare delivery and praised consistent donor commitment.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of LSBTS, Dr Bodunrin Osikomaiya, said the campaign aims to address myths and misconceptions discouraging blood donation.
She explained that one-on-one sensitisation and open access to LSBTS facilities will strengthen public trust and participation.
Donors at the event shared personal experiences, encouraging residents to see blood donation as a continuous duty that saves lives.
