The traditional ruler of Ikate Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi, has called for increased awareness and sensitisation on the importance of voluntary blood donation in Lagos State, noting that it is the only way the shortage in blood products can be addressed.
Oba Elegushi was speaking at a blood donation drive organised by his foundation and KB Klub, a socio-philanthropy organisation of medical students of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service.
Over 500 residents of Ikate-Elegushi kingdom participated in the voluntary donation.
The traditional ruler said that myths surrounding the donation of blood must be properly addressed through sustained campaign and education from government agencies, non-governmental organisations, religious and faith-based organisations, as well as youth groups.
“I think we need to do more in sensitising the people, educate them and also send more messages out on the need to donate blood. I will urge all stakeholders to do more in educating and disabusing the mind of the people on the need to do more,” Elegushi said.
Speaking during the blood donation exercise held in Eti-Osa, Sheriffdeen Oloyode, Team Leader, KB Klub, said the initiative aims to address critical issues of blood shortage in the country, which affects patients with various medical conditions.
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He said that the initiative was held simultaneously in six other locations in Lagos with the goal to raise at least 500 pints of blood from each location.
Executive Secretary, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, Dr Bodunrin Osikomaiya, emphasised the need for continued advocacy on blood donation, stating that many people still have all those myths and false information. They really do not know most of these things.
“Some of them grew up knowing the wrong things about blood donation because of the bad experiences of people in the past. So, our advocacy is not yet enough,” she said.
She said the blood collected would be taken to the state’s blood transfusion centres and designated hospitals for processing and screening.
“Once screened, the blood will be distributed to various hospitals, including Lagos State Accident and Emergency.