The Lagos State Government has launched a local government blood donation campaign, urging residents to make voluntary blood donation a regular part of their lifestyle.
Eko Hot News reports that the campaign, led by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS), began with an advocacy walk and one-on-one sensitisation at Jubilee Bridge and Jubilee Market in Ajah, Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
The initiative is designed to increase awareness about voluntary blood donation and improve the availability of safe blood across the state.
LSBTS Executive Secretary, Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, said the Eti-Osa campaign is the first of 10 advocacy and sensitisation programmes planned across Lagos.
The programmes will cover selected areas within the state’s 20 local government areas.
According to Osikomaiya, residents will be encouraged to donate blood through mobile collection points and designated government hospitals.
She said the campaign would also extend to Ojo, Ibeju-Lekki, Badagry, Epe and Lagos Island.
The LSBTS boss explained that the broader objective is to ensure that safe blood is available when residents need it.
She said regular voluntary donations would help strengthen Lagos’ blood supply system and reduce shortages.
Osikomaiya commended the Lagos State Government for providing funding, personnel and logistics to support the campaign.
She described the availability of safe blood as an important priority for the state’s healthcare system.
The campaign also featured activities aimed at taking the blood donation message directly to residents.
Officials engaged members of the public through advocacy walks and personal sensitisation.
The approach is expected to help address misconceptions about blood donation and encourage more eligible residents to participate.
As part of the campaign, LSBTS also supported the Maternal and Child Centre (MCC), Eti-Osa, with blood collection materials.
The items presented included blood bags, gloves, sample bottles, donor forms and information materials.
Voluntary blood donation cards were also provided to support the programme.
Osikomaiya explained that residents issued the voluntary blood donation card would be entitled to receive blood without making out-of-pocket payments.
She said the arrangement would encourage regular voluntary donation while helping create a stronger support system for donors.
The Medical Director of MCC Eti-Osa, Dr. Olufemi Aletan, welcomed the initiative.
Aletan said the partnership with LSBTS had demonstrated the importance of maintaining adequate blood supplies at healthcare facilities.
He noted that blood availability is particularly important during emergencies involving pregnant women and patients experiencing significant blood loss.
The medical director recalled situations where the facility required fresh frozen plasma for patients.
He stressed that timely access to appropriate blood products can be critical in emergency medical care.
Aletan disclosed that MCC Eti-Osa was working towards establishing its own independent blood bank.
He commended LSBTS for supporting the facility’s efforts to improve its blood transfusion capacity.
The medical director also appealed to more residents to become regular blood donors.
He particularly encouraged husbands of pregnant women to participate in voluntary blood donation.
According to him, regular donation can contribute to safer antenatal care and delivery services.
The campaign also featured testimonies from residents who have made voluntary blood donation a regular practice.
One of them, Mr. Olawale Alaba, who has donated blood 13 times, described the process as simple and beneficial.
Alaba encouraged eligible residents not to wait until a relative or friend requires blood before considering donation.
He urged people who are medically eligible to donate regularly.
The repeat donor recommended a three-month interval for eligible donors, in line with appropriate medical guidance.
He said a simple decision to donate could make an important difference to someone requiring blood.
The Lagos State Government’s latest campaign reflects the importance of maintaining a reliable blood supply for healthcare facilities.
Blood is required in different medical situations, including maternity care, surgeries, accident-related treatment and other emergencies.
A dependable supply can help healthcare professionals respond more effectively when blood products are required.
LSBTS is therefore seeking to move voluntary donation beyond occasional campaigns.
The agency wants regular donation to become part of the healthcare culture among eligible Lagos residents.
The 10 planned advocacy programmes are expected to bring the message closer to communities across the state.
The use of mobile blood collection facilities will also provide residents with opportunities to participate without necessarily travelling long distances.
LSBTS officials are expected to continue engaging communities as the campaign progresses.
The agency has encouraged residents to seek proper information and follow medical requirements before donating.
The government believes increased public participation will help strengthen the state’s blood transfusion system.
It will also support healthcare facilities in responding to patients who require blood products.
With the campaign now underway, Lagos is seeking to build a stronger culture of voluntary blood donation.
The state government is encouraging eligible residents to support the initiative and help ensure that safe blood is available when needed.
The campaign is expected to continue across selected local government areas as LSBTS expands its advocacy efforts.
