Health
Matters Arising: Blood Transfusion Services in Nigeria
By Saifullahi Attahir
I’m sure once in your life time have experienced or had one of your acquittances received a unit of blood. But have we ever gave a second thought about how this integral part of healthcare system in Nigeria is managed? In this article, I would give the reader a glimpse into this sector due to it’s importance, and some comparison of how it’s manage in other advanced countries.
Blood transfusion was a century old medical practice developed around 1900 by a scientist called Carl landstener, despite several attempts by contemporary scientists before him to devise a means to replace loss of blood encountered by patients either during surgical operations, accidents, or child birth.
Landstener was able to perpect the art of blood transfusion through discovery of major blood groups (ABO, and Rhesus) that played role in matching donor and recipients. Since then, there was continued effort toward safe blood transfusion services across the globe which massively lead to the decline in mortality rate associated with decrease blood supply in the body.
In Nigeria, blood transfusion services was practiced since the colonial-post colonial period mostly starting in Lagos and major urban centres. The major breakthrough was when the National blood transfusion services was established in 2005 during President Obasanjo. The National Health act of 2014 lead to the passage of National blood service Agency bill in 29th /July/ 2021.
According to the NBSA (www.nbsc.gov.ng) site, there was 17 voluntary blood donation centers across the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria including separate centers in Federal Capital Abuja, and other centers within the Arm Forces/ Military hospitals. National blood donation day is celebrated every 8th of December, and World safe donation day celebrated every 14th, June.
Nigeria has a population of over 200 million people, and without saying, our demand for blood donation was staggering looking at the number of road traffic accidents, obstetrics patients, major surgical procedures, under 5 years malarial and Schistosomial infections. This is apart from anaemic conditions due to malnutrition (Iron deficiency), other tropical diseases, Chronic Kidney Diseases, abnormal menstruation, and burns.
With all the above mention reasons, our data regarding blood transfusion services was reprehensible.
Several factors have lead to that including community neglect, lack of government intervention, lack of standard private practices, cultural influences, poor funding, and the Almighty mismanagement of resources.
About 1,230, 000 (one million, two hundred and thirty thousand) units/pints of blood are collected annually across Nigeria healthcare facilities, but unfortunately about 90% of this donations are paid commercials. Only 25,000 units are donated by volunteers that are made available to 3,400 hospitals urgent request! This simply shows that less than 5% of blood donation in Nigeria is voluntary.
Let me highlight four different forms of donations practiced worldwide;
* There was voluntary donation done by individuals just for the sake of humanity with no ulterior motive.
*There was direct/replacement donation usually done by relatives of a patients that are called in times of emergency. This one is hugely practice in Nigeria to about 75% in public hospitals.
* There was paid commercial donations in which donors give blood and collect money for it. This practice in Nigeria constitute about 25% in public hospitals and about 75% in some private clinics. This practice carried the major risk of transmitting transfusion-transmitted infections like HIV, Hepatitis B, and C.
* There was the autologous transfusion in which individual give his own blood prior to some surgical operations where the blood is stored, and later transfused back to him. This procedure has the least risk of transmitting infection and eliciting blood transfusion reactions.
Among the four blood transfusion methods, the two most widely practiced in Nigeria are the replacement and the paid commercial. People only care to donate blood when they knew their relatives are in need. This practice was commoner in our society from the villages to the urban. You could donate as soon as you know it’s your parents, wife, son, sister, brother or friend. Any other person can go to hell!
The worst form of practice is the commercial one, where people either out of ignorance or artificial poverty volunteer to donate only if they are going to be paid for it. This business triggers every form of atrocities where the donors sometimes donate multiple times within a short period of time ( The standard is at least an interval of 4-6 months, depending on age, gender, and social status).
The paid donors carries the highest risk of transmitting infections and other abnormalities either to themselves or to the recipients. So this practice need to be discourage by the healthcare personnels and the Government.
As an insider, and with my little period of practice, I have come to realized some of the difficulties blood transfusion services encountered in our health care facilities.
Shortage of blood units
There was the problem of blood supply shortage, this is evident from how Doctors/Lab personnel always advised patient relatives to go home and mobilized their kinsmen when a patient was in need of blood. This happens as if it were the standard thing to do. The ideal is for a patient to be transfused blood from the pool of blood bank regardless of bringing replacement or not. But this can only happens if their was enough units stored in the blood bank, and in most cases their was non.
I have personally witnesses several cases where a patient can almost loose his/her life their donors travelling many kilometers only to be rejected due to mismatch. Imagine the money and time wasted! The blame is not on the healthcare personnel, nor on the government alone, the blame is on the system and our society at large. We are lacking altruism.
This problem can be attributed to the lack of decentralised system of blood banking we operate in Nigeria.
Nigeria has a single National blood donation system. While in places like US, procurement of blood is majorly met by volunteers, they have a pluralistic blood collection programs by ( Red cross, independent community blood centres,and hospitals).
In the US, 15 million units of blood are collected from 10 million donors annually, and only 7% are collected in hospitals, and 93% in regional centres, unlike Nigeria where most of the collection are done in hospitals.
In the US, the blood collection, processing, testing,and preservation are regulated by the FDA. They operated a sharing system where by blood units can be transferred from a region with less demand and higher collection to a region with more demand.
Blood transfusion data
Nigeria has a blood collection data problem, many hospitals especially in the rural areas can not keep the record consistently for a year. This problem can be attributed to the manual (pen and paper) system of health records we are still operating in Nigeria, which is subject to error, missing, or manipulation. Without proper blood collection data it would be difficult to alleviate problem of shortage, and implementation.
Lack of Awareness
A recent data has shown how blood donation is directly proportional to development; in developed countries, 50 units of blood are donated in every 1000 population. In developing countries, 15 units of blood are donated in every 1000 population. While in under developed countries, only 5 units of blood are donated in every 1000 population.
In under developed and developing countries, limited storage facilities, lack of incentives, malnutrition, personal wellbeing,and lack of knowledge can be a contributing factor to low turnout of voluntary blood donation. It’s more likely for a high income University graduate to donate blood voluntarily than a less educated poor labourer. The former might be healthier, more mentally stable, and more aware on the need to donate.
Expertise and Procurement Facilities
The current improvement in blood donation service especially in the tropics can be attributed to the benevolent funding by the US through USAID and President Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Since 2000, there was continued efficiency in transfusion services in Nigeria, thanks to the aforementioned Agencies.
Despite this improvement, there was still problems of procedures, staff proficiency, specific testing,and preparation of separate blood components ( like plasma derivatives, platelets, and white blood cells).
Our screening methods are still qualitative immuno-phenotyping, we are using 4th generation ELISA ( Enzyme linked immunosorbent Assay), and no Nuclear Amplification Technique (NAT ) testing yet.
In 2018, I attended a two weeks training in Abuja organized by the University of Maryland experts under the supervision of Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH). We were trained on the standard serological techniques of Retro viral screening (RVS), Hepatitis, and VDRL. It was in preparation for a six month extensive survey we conducted across Nigeria based on the impact of HIV screening and therapy over the last three decades called Nigeria AIDS INDICATOR AND IMPACT SURVEY (NAIIS 2018). The training was an eye opener for me on the need to standardized our screening methods.
On a way forward, in order to attain the blood transfusion safety target, there is need for more voluntary donations campaign through mass media, schools, Churches, and Mosques.
Factors that prevent people from voluntary donations should be address like establishment of more independent blood donation centres, incentives, availability of storage facilities, and free donation services.
Nigeria should have a centralised registry of people with blood group O rhesus D negative, and such rare blood units should be made available across the country through a systematic sharing arrangement.
There is need for the communities and philanthropies to create more Non governmental organizations (NGOs) to address shortage of blood and to complement government efforts, as the government can not carryout the duty alone.
Saifullahi Attahir is the President of National Association of Jigawa State Medical Students (NAJIMS) National body. He wrote this piece from Federal University Dutse
As Nigeria embraces the rainy season, bringing cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, maintaining a consistent fitness routine presents unique challenges. Despite the tempting allure of staying indoors, staying active is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. This seasonal shift has also highlighted the growing accessibility of online shopping platforms, providing convenient avenues to acquire essential fitness gear and tools.
A prime example of this modern approach is King Oluwaferanmi Monsurat, a 22-year-old self-proclaimed “gym rat” and part-time University of Lagos student. Seamlessly integrating fitness into her busy daily life in Lagos, Oluwaferanmi’s adoption of online shopping for fitness essentials highlights a wider trend among Nigerians seeking to stay active regardless of the weather.
Embracing indoor workouts
The rainy season offers an ideal opportunity to wholeheartedly embrace indoor exercises, with online purchases setting the stage for these routines. For gym-goers, this becomes a prime time to make full use of equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and weights for comprehensive workouts. Many are even sporting new finds from platforms like Temu, a direct-from-factory model known for connecting consumers directly with manufacturers, offering a wide selection of quality products at competitive prices.
For those preferring to exercise at home, the options are abundant. Bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, and planks require no special equipment and offer effective full-body workouts, perfect for quick sessions before or after a downpour. Additionally, Yoga and Pilates are excellent for flexibility and strength, with countless online tutorials readily available to guide your practice.
To further energise your home workout, simply turn up your favourite music, whether it’s Afrobeats or another genre, and dance! It’s a fun, high-energy way to burn calories and significantly boost your mood. Many fitness instructors now offer virtual classes, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to Zumba, allowing you to easily join guided sessions from the comfort of your living room.
Holistic wellness beyond the gym
Online platforms have become crucial to the overall wellness journey of consumers like Oluwaferanmi. She highlights how affordable e-commerce options can introduce new wellness solutions, noting that platforms like Temu make products such as juicers and air fryers more accessible, even for those who might otherwise struggle with the cost. This newfound accessibility is profoundly changing how many Nigerians approach personal wellness, moving beyond just gym wear to invest in appliances that promote healthier eating habits.
Outdoor workouts
For those who prefer outdoor workouts despite the rainy season, proper attire is crucial. Ensure you have good quality waterproof or water-resistant gear, including a running vest to keep essentials secure and enhance safety. Opt for moisture-wicking base layers to prevent chafing in humid conditions, and choose running shoes with excellent grip to navigate wet pavements safely.
Staying fit also hinges significantly on proper nutrition and hydration. Despite cooler temperatures, it’s vital to remain well-hydrated throughout the day. Incorporate immune-boosting foods and focus on balanced meals to adequately support your body’s needs.
Stay motivated and adapt your routine
Don’t let the weather derail your fitness journey; instead, adapt your goals as needed, focusing on what’s achievable given the conditions. Social media posts from individuals like @Xclusivetosin, who has already declared it’s “time to get that summer body” with new Temu purchases, and @SeunPhillips4, who has also invested in Temu gym clothes, highlight how accessible fitness apparel is making it easier to stay active indoors during this season.
They are not alone. A recent IPSOS survey found that 80% of respondents globally believe Temu offers value for money, with shoppers reporting average savings of 24%. More than half said they would recommend the platform to others, underscoring its growing reputation as a go-to destination for smart, savvy shopping.
Embrace the rainy season as an opportune moment to explore new fitness avenues and diversify your routine.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Popular social media platform, TikTok, has joined the campaign to address digital harms through innovation, collaboration, and empathy, with the aim to create responsible online environments for African users, and has appointed a few medical practitioners as its ambassadors.
The company recently held an inaugural programme tagged Digital Well-being Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing together policymakers, mental health experts, NGOs, and industry leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Delegates from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and beyond gathered to further strengthen efforts to support and protect community well-being on the platform.
The summit provided a platform for open dialogue on enhancing online safety tools, promoting digital literacy and access to experts, fostering a balanced online environment.
A comprehensive suite of new tools and partnerships were introduced, including the expansion of TikTok’s global $2.3 million mental health fund to Sub-Saharan Africa, expanded local in-app helplines, and an industry-first meditation feature for all TikTok users.
With this expansion, three Sub-Saharan African organisations have been selected as inaugural regional recipients, including the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, and Kenya’s Mental360.
These organisations will receive funding and platform support to develop locally relevant, evidence-based content that raises awareness, reduces stigma, and encourages open dialogue around mental health in African communities.
The event also spotlighted ongoing efforts such as TikTok’s #MentalHealthMatters campaign, which continues to promote positive mental health practices across the globe. Together, these actions are designed to support balanced digital habits, providing communities with access to reliable information.
As part of its commitment to empowering users to manage their online experience, TikTok has introduced a guided meditation experience in Sleep Hours – an in-app well-being experience automatically enabled at 22:00 for all users under the age of 18. Anyone above this age can choose to turn it on. This feature, the first of its kind in the industry, was piloted in March 2025 and is available worldwide.
As part of its ongoing partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), TikTok has officially introduced its new Mental Health Ambassadors, a diverse group of verified healthcare professionals from the WHO Fides Network.
The inaugural cohort of Mental Health Ambassadors includes Sanam Naran from South Africa, Dr Claire Kinuthia from Kenya, Doctor Wales from Nigeria, and Doctor Siya from South Africa.
Speaking, TikTok Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships, Valiant Richey, said, “People come to TikTok to learn, share their experiences, and connect with communities around the world. That’s why we’re proud to introduce tools that not only support digital wellbeing, but also empower our community, especially young users, with a safe, supportive space to explore and navigate complex emotions.”
Also, the Minister of Basic Education in South Africa, Siviwe Gwarube, said, “We commend the private sector’s efforts to foster digital literacy and create a safer online environment for all. Such efforts reflect the government and the private sector’s collective responsibility to inspire creativity, empower communities, and connect young people to the digital world.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A leading Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, has hosted the 2025 National Providers Forum (NPF).
The event, held on Wednesday, June 24, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was themed Bridging the Gap: Building a Stronger HMO-Provider Relationship.
It brought together a diverse group of healthcare stakeholders, who discussed significant advancements in the nation’s healthcare sector.
A hallmark of this year’s forum was its inclusive approach. While many providers gathered physically in Port Harcourt, a significant number also participated virtually, joining online from across the country. This hybrid format ensured broader participation, allowing a wider array of voices and perspectives to contribute to the discussions, truly reflecting SUNU Health’s dedication to nationwide impact.
Discussions at the forum spanned a wide range of critical topics, including innovative healthcare delivery models, leveraging technology for improved patient outcomes, navigating regulatory landscapes, and strategies for sustainable growth in a dynamic environment. Interactive sessions and expert presentations provided attendees with actionable insights and fostered a spirit of shared learning and problem-solving.
In his keynote address, the Managing Director of SUNU Health, Dr Patrick Korie, emphasised “how a good HMO-Provider relationship directly leads to improved patient care, increased operational efficiency by streamlining processes, and ultimately enhanced credibility for the entire healthcare system.”
Underscoring the company’s commitment to responsiveness, he revealed that the organisation conducted a comprehensive survey with providers and clients to truly understand their perspectives.
According to him, this direct feedback has informed SUNU Health’s strategic decision to reorganize internal procedures to enhance partnerships.
He said key actions include establishing regular, transparent communication channels, disseminating clear guidelines, and committing to timely payments within a 30-day cycle for PHIS and NHIA, strictly adhering to operational guidelines.
The medical practitioner added that SUNU Health has embraced new technology for communication and claims submission and will routinely conduct continuous data analytics to identify areas for improvement. Concluding his remarks,
“At SUNU, which means ‘our own,’ humanity is at the centre of all our initiatives. Therefore, building a stronger relationship between us and our providers is not just an objective; it is essential for delivering the quality healthcare services our communities deserve,” he stated.
Also, the Chief Operating Officer of SUNU Health, Dr Faith Nwachi, emphasized the significance of partnership in healthcare.
“The National Providers Forum is more than just a gathering; it’s a testament to our belief in the power of partnership. We are committed to empowering our providers with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to deliver exceptional care.
“The insights gained today will undoubtedly fuel our collective efforts to elevate healthcare standards across Nigeria and drive sustainable industry growth.”
The NPF is part of NHIA regulatory requirement for accredited HMOs. It served as a crucial platform for engagement, designed to strengthen relationships with healthcare providers and discuss strategies for enhancing the quality and accessibility of medical services across Nigeria.
The forum concluded with a reinforced sense of collaboration and a shared vision for the future of Nigerian healthcare, as participants lauded the initiative for its relevance and the opportunity it provided to network, share best practices, and collectively chart a course towards a more robust and responsive healthcare system.
SUNU Health plans to leverage the outcomes and feedback from the NPF 2025 to refine its strategies, develop new support programs for its network, and continue advocating for policies that promote healthcare excellence.
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