The federal government has urged Nigerian youths to engage in regular blood and plasma donation to address the 1.5 million units of blood deficit required to save lives and treat life-threatening diseases. “It is sad to note that out of these 200 million units of blood required as a nation, the blood service commission collects only 500,000 units, 25 per cent of the expected annual blood donation. “This leaves us with a shortfall of 1.5 million units of blood which is 75 per cent of our expected annual blood donation. “For as long as the demand exceeds the supply, racketeering of blood and blood products will continue to thrive. He further disclosed that the NBSC had instituted the Tertiary Education Blood Safety Club (TRBSC) to improve non-remunerated blood donation among youths and create voluntary blood donation ambassadors.

Source: The Guardian June 14, 2023 18:36 UTC