By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A company in the financial services sector, VFD Group Plc, has joined other organisations to donate blood to blood banks in Lagos State in response to a call from the state government.
The firm collaborated with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee and the Haima Health Initiative to advocate blood donation on World Blood Donor Day on Friday, June 14, 2024.
This year’s World Blood Donor Day, themed 20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You Blood Donors marked two decades of raising awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation to the health sector.
It was gathered that on June 11, 2024, VFD Group employees and executives demonstrated their commitment by donating blood to be used by those in need.
This initiative not only ensured the provision of safe blood through voluntary contributions but also involved meticulous screening, efficient counselling, and robust regulatory measures coordinated by the Haima Health Initiative.
The donation drive aimed to appreciate existing donors, raise awareness, educate employees on the impact of their contributions, dispel myths, and combat the decline in blood donations.
“At VFD Group, as part of our commitment to our Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), we champion initiatives that promote good health and overall wellness.
“We celebrate our employees, blood donors worldwide, and communities who tirelessly contribute to keeping the world pulsating through their donations.
“Our partnership with Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee and Haima Health Initiative underscores our dedication to making a meaningful impact in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
“Moving forward, we will continue to support every act of kindness that aligns with our mission to promote good health and overall wellness for a sustainable future for all,” the company said in a statement.
Recall that on June 5, 2024, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, urged more citizens to embrace voluntary blood donation to shore up the state’s blood bank.
With only 130,000 donors for a population of over 16 million, Lagos faces a significant shortfall, leaving many patients without access to essential blood transfusions.
The Commissioner emphasised that the current voluntary donor rate is insufficient, leading to potential shortages in hospitals.
The blood donation rate in Lagos State has seen a disheartening drop of over 55 per cent in January 2024, attributed to factors such as seasonal respiratory illnesses intensified by harsh harmattan weather, and high rates of postpartum haemorrhage and traffic accident-related bleeding. These realities underline the critical need for regular voluntary blood donors.
Additionally, individuals with Haemochromatosis, a hereditary condition causing excess blood due to iron overload, are encouraged to donate blood at intervals.
Adedapo Adesanya