In its bid to accomplish the World Health Organisation (WHO) target in having 100 per cent blood from voluntary blood donors by the year 2020, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) of south west zonal center in Ibadan organised an event to mark the day in appreciating donors and sensitising Nigerians on blood transfusion.

According to the Zonal Coordinator, Dr Wale Egbewumi, “It has been difficult getting blood from voluntary and regular blood donors, but gradually with adequate public enlightenment, people are coming out to donate.”

He enthused that blood could be donated from the age of 18 to 65, if medically and physically fit. “We have donors who have donated 40, 50 times; they know it is beneficial to their body, the test they undergo with us reveal their health status and they even call us when they are due for donation. So, the culture is coming up gradually in Nigeria. Women can donate every four months and men can donate every three months.”      

The programme with the theme ‘Thank you for saving my life,’ featured rally by the group, dance and drama, which centred on educating participants on the need to be a donor.

A donor at the event, Oyawale Olusoji, while sharing his experience said, “This is the 38^th time I am donating. When I needed blood, I was given for free by NBTS and that’s why I continue donating. ” 

 Mrs Dolapo Oyedipe representing the wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, urged Nigerians to know their blood group alongside genotype to make work easier for the medical personnel.