National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as Pyrate Confraternity, has declared support for the campaign to recruit blood donors and drastically reduce infant and maternal mortality.
The members of NAS, Oxbow Marino Deck, made this declaration during the 2024 World Blood Donor Day advocacy visit to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, which had the theme “20 Years Of Celebrating Giving: Thank You Blood Donors.” They insisted that blood donation and transfusion are noble gestures.
The members of NAS, Oxbow Marino Deck, also visited the phlebotomy at the ultra-modern blood bank building for a physical examination and vital signs and finally donated blood.
Earlier, the chief medical director of Federal Medical Centre, Dr. James Omietimi, while addressing the NAS members, also declared that blood donation is a noble deed. Millions of needy patients around the world benefit from such donations each time the need arises, getting treated for various medical conditions, like blood loss, anaemia, and cancer.
He also recognised the National Association of Seadogs (Oxbow Marine Deck) as a donor partner.
Also, the head of the FMC’s hematology and blood transfusion unit, Mrs Rita Gede, during the pep talk, urged Nigerians to support blood transfusion, pointing out that blood transfusions are essential and that they help to reduce infant and maternal mortality.
She also noted that blood transfusion improves the life expectancy and quality of life of patients suffering from life-threatening hereditary diseases such as haemophilia and thalassaemia and acquired diseases such as cancer and traumatic haemorrhage.
She, however, highlighted the eligibility of the donor to give blood, mainly for the safety of the donor and the recipient:” Blood donors are encouraged to save lives. Therefore, the process of collecting must not endanger the lives of both the donor and the recipient.”
The Head of Medical Laboratory Services, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, MLS Saibakumor Ahmed Eneiyeketon, also reiterated the calls for more individuals and partners to encourage blood donation and commended the members of NAS for their years of blood donation.
