Nigeria Faces Blood Supply Crisis as Voluntary Donations Fall Short of 2 Million Unit Demand
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By AfreecanImage News Desk LAGOS, Nigeria , Nigeria is facing a widening blood supply crisis as hospitals struggle to meet the growing demand for safe blood amid low voluntary donations, economic hardship, rising processing costs and persistent misconceptions about blood donation. Health experts and officials say the country requires between 1.8 million and 2 million units of blood annually , but current collections remain significantly below that level. Only about 500,000 units are reportedly obtained from voluntary donors, leaving a substantial gap in the national blood supply. Voluntary Blood Donation Remains Low The National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) said voluntary, non-remunerated donations account for only about 10 per cent of total blood collections nationwide. Much of the remaining supply comes through family replacement donations and, in some cases, paid donations. Experts say dependence on emergency and replacement donations can place additional pressure...