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BLOOD SAFETY IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES, INITIATIVES AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

Blood safety refers to the comprehensive measures taken to ensure that blood and blood products are free from harmful pathogens and are suitable for transfusion. This involves a series of steps designed to protect both donors and recipients throughout the entire blood donation and transfusion process.

In Nigeria, blood safety is a critical component of the healthcare system, given the vital role of blood transfusions in treating conditions like trauma, surgery, maternal complications, and chronic diseases. However, ensuring blood safety is challenging due to factors like limited resources, inadequate blood supply, and the risk of transmitting blood-borne infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis.

To address these concerns, Nigeria has established guidelines and regulations for safe blood collection, testing, and transfusion. The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) is responsible for coordinating blood donations, ensuring that donated blood is screened for infectious diseases, and maintaining an adequate blood supply. Efforts are also made to promote voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation and to strengthen the infrastructure for blood safety across the country.

Despite these efforts, Nigeria continues to face challenges in achieving optimal blood safety, and ongoing improvements in screening, donor recruitment, and healthcare infrastructure are necessary to protect both blood donors and recipients.

CHALLENGES FACING BLOOD SAFETY IN NIGERIA 

The attainment of blood transfusion safety in Nigeria (and probably the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa) remains an uphill task due to a number of factors, ranging from :

1.Inadequate Blood Supply: Nigeria faces a significant shortage of blood donations, with a reliance on family replacement and commercial donors rather than voluntary, non-remunerated donors. This shortage leads to difficulties in meeting the transfusion needs of patients, especially during emergencies. Studies have identified factors hindering voluntary blood donation, including misconceptions and ingrained beliefs. An intense campaign using mass and social media is recommended to counter these erroneous beliefs.

2. High Prevalence of Transfusion-Transmissible Infections (TTIs): The country has a high prevalence of TTIs, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. For instance, studies have reported prevalence rates of 18%, 23%, and 12.3% for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, respectively, among certain populations. This poses a significant risk to blood safety.

3. Dependence on Commercial Blood Donors: A substantial portion of blood donations comes from commercial donors, who may not be as reliable or safe as voluntary donors. This dependence increases the risk of transfusion-related infections. The Safe Blood for Africa Foundation emphasizes the importance of developing sustainable blood services in accordance with WHO guidelines to address this issue.

4. Inadequate Blood Screening and Testing: There are challenges in ensuring that all donated blood is screened for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis. In some regions, not all donated blood is screened for these infections, compromising blood safety. The World Health Organization recommends the development of systems, such as hospital transfusion committees and hemovigilance, to monitor and improve the safety of transfusion processes.

5. Limited Infrastructure and Resources: Many blood banks and transfusion services lack the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and trained personnel to ensure the safety and adequacy of the blood supply. This includes insufficient storage facilities and inadequate testing capabilities. The National Blood Service Agency is working to address these challenges by collaborating with international partners to improve blood transfusion safety in Nigeria.

INITIATIVES FOR BLOOD SAFETY IN NIGERIA 

Nigeria has implemented several initiatives to enhance blood safety and address the critical shortage of safe blood. Key efforts include:

1. National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS): The NBTS is the primary government agency responsible for ensuring the availability of safe blood in Nigeria. It has been established to coordinate blood collection, testing, and distribution across Nigeria. It aims to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply through various programs and partnerships. The NBTS is working to increase the pool of voluntary blood donors and improve blood transfusion safety. In 2019, the NBTS launched the One-Million-Safe-Blood-Units-Initiative (OMSBUI) project, aiming to increase the nation’s blood bank from 25,000 to one million units by 2023 and three million by 2030.

2. LifeBank Initiative: Founded in 2016 by Temie Giwa-Tubosun, LifeBank is a medical distribution company that uses data and technology to discover and deliver essential medical products, including blood, to hospitals in Nigeria. As of January 2017, the company had helped deliver over 2,000 pints of blood to patients across Lagos State. LifeBank has been instrumental in addressing the blood shortage in Nigeria by facilitating the transmission of blood from labs to patients and doctors in hospitals.

3. World Health Organization (WHO) Support: The WHO has been working with Nigerian health authorities to improve blood safety and availability. This includes providing guidelines for blood screening and promoting voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation. The WHO emphasizes the importance of developing systems to monitor and improve the safety of transfusion processes.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Various organizations and media outlets have been involved in campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and the risks associated with transfusion-transmissible infections. These campaigns aim to educate the public and encourage more people to donate blood voluntarily. For example, the Safe Blood for Africa Foundation is dedicated to the development and strengthening of sustainable blood services in Africa, including Nigeria.

5. Haima Health Initiative (HHI): HHI advocates for voluntary blood donations and operates Haima Mobile services in hospitals across Nigeria. Supported by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, HHI has organized blood drives and delivered blood using cold chain delivery bikes to patients and hospitals.

6. Trauma Care International Foundation (TCIF): TCIF is a non-governmental organization that works to improve disaster and emergency medical response, including blood donation efforts. In 2018, it set a Guinness World Record by registering 3,310 people for blood donation in an 8-hour period.

7. Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG): In collaboration with international partners, Nigeria has implemented the use of NASG to manage obstetric hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal mortality. Studies have shown that NASG significantly reduces blood loss and improves maternal outcomes.

8. Safe Blood for Africa Foundation: This foundation conducts situational assessments, strategic planning, and quality management systems to enhance blood safety in Nigeria. It focuses on blood collection, donor mobilization, and training to improve the blood supply chain.

These initiatives collectively aim to improve blood safety in Nigeria by increasing the availability of safe blood, promoting voluntary blood donation, and enhancing emergency medical.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENSURE BLOOD SAFETY IN NIGERIA 

Ensuring blood safety in Nigeria is crucial to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases through blood transfusions. To enhance the safety and availability of blood products, consider the following recommendations:

1. Increase Voluntary Blood Donation: Implement intensive mass mobilization campaigns to encourage voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation. Utilize mass and social media to counter misconceptions and promote the benefits of voluntary donation. Studies suggest that increasing the pool of voluntary blood donors is key to bridging the blood supply gap and improving blood transfusion safety

2. Enhance Blood Screening and Testing: Strengthen donor blood screening protocols and ensure that all donated blood is tested for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis. Implement nucleic acid testing (NAT) to improve the detection of infections. The WHO recommends the development of systems, such as hospital transfusion committees and hemovigilance, to monitor and improve the safety of transfusion processes.

3. Develop Alternative Transfusion Methods: Encourage the use of autologous blood transfusion and erythropoietin to reduce dependence on homologous blood transfusions and minimize the risks associated with transfusion-transmissible infections. Studies suggest that encouraging more universal use of autologous blood transfusion, intraoperative cell salvage, and erythropoietin is imperative to reduce the huge demand on homologous blood.

4. Improve Infrastructure and Training: Invest in the development of blood bank infrastructure, including storage facilities and testing laboratories. Provide training for healthcare professionals to ensure the safe handling and transfusion of blood products. The National Blood Service Agency is collaborating with international partners to improve blood transfusion safety in Nigeria.

5. Strengthen Policy and Regulation: Enforce policies that promote voluntary blood donation and regulate the collection and distribution of blood to ensure safety and adequacy. Collaborate with international organizations to align with global best practices.

In conclusion, ensuring blood safety in Nigeria requires addressing challenges such as inadequate supply, high prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections, and limited infrastructure. Initiatives like NBTS, LifeBank, and WHO support are underway. Recommendations include increasing voluntary donation, enhancing screening, developing alternative methods, improving infrastructure, and strengthening policy. A sustained commitment from government, healthcare professionals, and the public is crucial to improving blood safety in Nigeria and ensuring that patients have timely access to safe blood transfusions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blood Cells Rescue Inititative Heros spreading the message on Blood donation

Blood donation awareness campaigns in Enugu State

In a world where collective efforts can shape destinies, one organization stands out for its unwavering dedication to ensuring a safer and more accessible blood supply. Blood Cells Rescue Initiative, driven by its resolute goal, has embarked on a transformative journey to fill the gaps in blood availability and safety in Nigeria, with a special focus on Enugu state

The challenge at hand is monumental—a deficiency in available and safe blood. To address this pressing issue, the initiative recognizes the significance of widespread awareness and education. The key to igniting change lies in imparting knowledge and rallying individuals to become part of the solution.

donate blood to save lives in Nigeria
Blood donation awareness sensitization campaign at Okpara Square Enugu

Enter a series of impactful events that unfolded over three consecutive Saturdays, spanning two months. Blood Cells Rescue Initiative orchestrated visits to key sports centers and gatherings across Enugu state, a testament to their commitment to touching lives where they matter the most. Prominent venues like the iconic Michael Okpara Square and the Enugu State Sports Stadium became canvases for a message of hope and transformation.

At the heart of these outreaches lay a simple yet profound objective: to instil in people the vital importance of becoming blood donors. The initiative didn’t merely distribute flyers and speak words; they sowed seeds of awareness that could blossom into lifelines for those in dire need. Attendees were introduced to the imperative of regular blood donation, a practice that goes beyond altruism and bestows health benefits on the donors themselves.

The impact of these efforts was tangible, reaching over 2,000 individuals who attended these gatherings. The initiative’s volunteers worked tirelessly, sharing their mission and vision with unyielding passion. The result? A significant number of individuals not only pledged to become regular blood donors but also expressed interest in becoming part of the larger Blood Cells Rescue Initiative community.

Beyond the numbers, however, lies a tapestry of changed lives. Each individual who now carries the torch of awareness becomes a beacon of hope for countless others. The ripple effect of this endeavour extends beyond the gatherings and into families, friend circles, and communities at large.

A notable outcome of these events was the gathering of contact information from over 200 individuals who exhibited keen interest in joining the Blood Donor community. This speaks volumes about the power of education, empathy, and collective action. It’s a testament to the fact that people are not only willing to be part of something larger than themselves but are eager to make a difference when given the opportunity.

In the grand scheme of things, these outreach efforts signify more than just a series of events. They represent a turning point—a shift in consciousness and a promise of a brighter, healthier future. Blood Cells Rescue Initiative’s mission to bridge the gap in blood availability and safety has taken a monumental leap forward, thanks to these impactful encounters.

As the echoes of these outreach events continue to resonate, one thing becomes clear: the journey to ensure a safe and robust blood supply is not a solitary one. It’s a shared endeavor, fueled by the collective will of individuals who understand that their actions can reshape lives. With each step forward, the Blood Cells Rescue Initiative and its growing community of supporters bring us closer to a Nigeria where the life-giving essence of blood knows no bounds.

blood donation and transfusion in Enugu, Nigeria

The Health Benefits of Blood Donation: Why You Should Donate Regularly

Blood donation is a life-saving act that helps provide blood to people in need. While many people donate blood out of altruism and the desire to help others, few realize the health benefits that they can derive from this act of kindness. Here are some of the health benefits of blood donation:

  1. Reduces the risk of heart disease: One of the most significant benefits of donating blood is that it can reduce the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that people who donate blood regularly have a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. This is because regular blood donation helps lower the amount of iron in the body. Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, but too much of it can be harmful to the body. High levels of iron can lead to oxidative stress, which can damage the walls of blood vessels, increase inflammation, and cause heart disease. Regular blood donation can help keep iron levels in check, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
  2. Improves blood circulation and oxygen levels: Blood is essential for carrying oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body. When you donate blood, your body replaces the lost blood with new blood cells, which can help improve your overall blood circulation and oxygen levels. This can help boost your energy levels, reduce fatigue, and improve your overall health.
  3. Helps detect potential health issues: Before donating blood, a screening process is conducted to check your blood pressure, pulse rate, hemoglobin levels, and other vital signs. This can help detect any potential health issues early on, such as high blood pressure, anemia, and low iron levels. If any abnormalities are detected, you will be advised to seek medical attention and get proper treatment.
  4. Boosts the immune system: Blood donation can also help boost your immune system. When you donate blood, your body produces new blood cells, which can help improve your immunity and make you less susceptible to infections and diseases.
  5. Gives you a sense of fulfillment: Finally, donating blood can make you feel good about yourself. Knowing that your blood donation can help save someone’s life can give you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. It can also boost your self-esteem and make you feel more connected to your community.

In conclusion, donating blood is not only a selfless act of kindness but also has several health benefits for the donor. By donating blood regularly, you can help reduce the risk of heart disease, improve blood circulation and oxygen levels, detect potential health issues, boost your immune system, and give yourself a sense of fulfillment. If you’re eligible to donate blood, consider doing so on a regular basis to help improve your own health, as well as the health of those in need.

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