Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service engages Navy, launches blood donation campaign at Western Naval Command

The Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) yesterday (Thursday, August 22) took its blood donation awareness campaign to the Western Naval Command in Apapa, Lagos, under the theme “Blood For Life.”

The event, organized by the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital in Ojo, is aimed at educating naval officers on the importance of blood donation and its life-saving impact.

The campaign, held at the Command Officers’ Mess, featured a health seminar led by a blood transfusion specialist, Dr. Adeniyi Lateef.

Commodore O.A Akinbami, who represented Rear Admiral MB Hassan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, along with Dr. Bodurin Oshikomaiya, the Executive Secretary of LSBTS, representing Lagos State Commissioner for Health Akin Abayomi, emphasized the significance of the initiative.

Dr. Oshikomaiya spoke about the state government’s dedication to maintain a steady and safe blood supply for emergencies and disasters, outlining LSBTS’s strategy of coordinating public and private blood banks, donation centers and logistics providers.

She disclosed that Lagos has 28 public blood banks and 126 private ones all of which are supervised by LSBTS to ensure blood safety and availability, highlighting the importance of maintaining a constant supply of the universal Blood Group ‘O Rhesus’ negative, which can be used in emergencies without cross-matching therby adhering to international health standards.

In his address on “Blood For Life,” Dr. Lateef underscored the vital role of blood donation in saving lives and supporting vulnerable populations.

He reassured the officers that blood donation is safe, philanthropic and limited to healthy individuals aged 18 to 65, with some exceptions like menstruating or breastfeeding women.

“Blood donation has saved countless lives, and it’s crucial to continue raising awareness about its importance,” Dr. Lateef said. “It’s been an honor to engage with the Nigerian Navy, and I hope this session inspires more people to donate.”

The event received support from naval officers and healthcare officials, reflecting a shared commitment to boosting blood donations across Lagos State.