FG launches Safe Blood Project to expand access nationwide
The Federal Government has launched a new initiative to transform blood transfusion services across Nigeria, pledging that no citizen should lose their life due to the unavailability of safe blood. The programme, called “The Safe Blood Project,” is the country’s first national training scheme focused on transfusion safety. It was unveiled at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, and is coordinated by the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA). Nigeria has long struggled with inadequate blood supply, relying heavily on family replacement and paid donors, a practice that experts say contributes to avoidable deaths — especially among women during childbirth, children with severe anaemia, and accident victims. The initiative will: Train health workers in modern transfusion medicine. Strengthen laboratories for effective screening and storage. Institutionalise voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation. Serve as a hub for research and innovation to guide policy. Prof. […]