Prof Hannah Oluwayemisi Olawumi , the 279th Inaugural Lecturer, UNILORIN.
By Mark Mayah
In a strategic move to promote sustainable Sensitization of blood donation, Prof. Hannah Oluwayemisi Olawumi, Department of Haematology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin has called on the government to engage in blood donor education and advocacy to alleviate fears about blood donation.
Delivering the institution’s 279th Inaugural lecture, themed: “Heroes without Capes: The Life-saving Power of Blood Sacrifice”,
on Thursday in Ilorin, she called on all stakeholders particularly the National Health Authorities to facilitate the establishment of well-coordinated blood programmes, backed by appropriate legislation to increase the voluntary blood donor base.
Prof Olawumi said that adequate funds should be provided for more intensive advocacy for voluntary blood donation.
“The National Orientation Agency should engage in donor education and advocacy, to alleviate fears and dispel Myths about blood donation among Nigerian men and women of all ages.
“The donor selection criteria should be reviewed periodically to ensure there is no discrimination of any kind, including gender, race, nationality or religion and to prevent the unnecessary deferral of suitable donors,” she suggested.
The Inaugural lecturer said that haematology is a branch of medicine, focused on the study of blood and blood-forming organs, including the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases affecting the blood.
Also, affecting bone marrow and the immunological, haemostatic and vascular systems.
“Heroes are people willing to take risks and make sacrifices for the benefit of others. I am referring to our voluntary blood donors, who regularly donate blood anonymously, yet whose contributions save lives.
“Every two seconds, someone around the world needs blood and depends on the kindness of strangers for survival. This staggering statistic is one of the most overlooked aspects of modern healthcare,” she said.
Olawumi said that blood is essential for medical treatments but is often in short supply, especially for certain blood types like O-negative.
“Many patients depend on blood transfusions to survive, like women experiencing bleeding after childbirth, patients battling leukemia, those with sickle cell anaemia and patients undergoing cancer treatment.
“Also, patients that needs organ transplants or major surgeries all depend on blood donations. So This transfusion of blood and blood products helps save millions of lives each year.
“It enhances life expectancy and improves the quality of life for patients facing life-threatening conditions, while supporting complex medical and surgical procedures,” she said.
The Don explained that one pint of blood could save up to three lives, because it could be separated into three components; red blood cells, plasma and platelets.
She said that each part of the blood could assist different patients with various medical conditions.
“I was on call in the Emergency Paediatric Ward one night when a 10-year-old boy was brought in by his mother, appearing lifeless.
“He was a known patient receiving treatment for acute leukemia and he looked extremely pale, nearly paper white; his PCV was 8 percent. His only chance of survival that night depended on a blood transfusion.
“However, we were able to save his life by administering a pint of blood. A blood donated by an anonymous individual whose generosity made the crucial difference between life and death,” she said.
Olawumi noted that voluntary blood donors are the back bone of transfusion medicine, because the supply of blood in Nigeria cannot meet the demand.
“If you have not donated blood before, consider this your invitation. One donation can save up to three lives. It is a gift that costs you little, yet is worth more than gold to those who receive it.
“For those of you who may already be donors, I encourage you to continue donating and inspire others to do the same,” Prof Olawumi said.
