Private Firm's Workers Boost National Blood Bank

A private company, African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML) has convened a Blood Donation Camp to commemorate 2024 World Blood Donor Day.

The aim of the Blood Donation Camp, which was recently conducted in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), is to significantly contribute to the provision of blood for the sick and save their lives, the company said in a statement.

The statement, signed by the Public Relations Officer, ANRML, Mr Olanrewaju Babatunde AbdulHakeem, discussed the crucial importance of blood to the survival of the sick. Blood is essential because it helps patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries.

According to the company, “The Blood Donation Camp, which was carried out at the ANRML’s factory site, Gujeni Community, Kaduna State, was conceived as a lifesaving care that starts with one person making a generous donation to inspire others to do same and save lives.”

The company expressed concern that statistics show that only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each unit of blood donated is further broken down into components, such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, and may be transfused to several patients, each with different needs.

The organization, therefore, encouraged the public to support the sick by donating blood to the country’s National Blood Bank.

Further discussing the importance of commemorating World Blood Donor Day, the company pointed out the importance of donating blood and its multiple uses. For example, cancer patients are particularly in need of blood transfusions, as they can act as a resource to implement platelets back into the body after heavy treatments such as chemo or radiation therapy.

The statement quoted Mr. Babatunde: “As a company, ANRML understands the importance of public health and we will continue to execute Social Impact Policies and Projects to entrench our commitment to public health.”

Babatunde explained that African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML) is a member company of the African Industries Group (AIG), adding that the Group shares the ideology and commitment to community development through the execution of Social Impact Projects across communities that host its operations.

This, he said, is why the company organised a blood donation camp at its factory premises in Gujeni Village.

According to the company, the Blood Donation Camp is part of a larger campaign across the group’s companies to encourage employees to donate blood to the needy. The group and its employees strongly believe that it is a life-saving act and that every drop of blood saves a life.

“True to the theme, ANRML Blood Donation Camp experienced very good participation and a rush of volunteers to donate blood,” the statement added, noting that donors from Abuja Steel Mills joined volunteers in Gujeni to donate blood.

The event, which was popularly adjudged successful, saw more than 100 ANRML employees, including females, donate blood.