As part of activities to mark the World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), today, June 14, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has decried acute blood shortage in Nigeria and other middle and low-income countries, even as it urged mandatory screening for Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis before any blood donation.
The slogan for this year’s commemoration is “Donating blood is an act of solidarity: Join the effort and save lives.” The WBDD is aimed at raising global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion.
The WHO, yesterday, in a statement, said national blood system should be governed by a policy and legislative framework to promote the uniform implementation of standards and consistency in the quality and safety of blood and blood products.
It noted: “Safe blood is essential for helping people of all ages who suffer from diseases, disasters and accidents. Your donation saves lives and makes our community safe.
“Blood is always needed to save lives and treat people. Show your solidarity to the community and contribute with regular blood donations!
“The need for blood is universal, but access to blood for all those who need it is not. Blood shortages are acute in low- and middle-income countries. In low- and middle-income countries, women and children are most affected by shortages as they are the ones who need b itlood most.