As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Blood Donor Day 2025, a non-governmental organisation, Haima Health Initiative, has revealed that the country requires 1.7 million pints of blood annually, yet only 38 per cent of that demand is currently met.
In a statement signed by its founder, Bukola Bolarinwa, the organisation explained that Nigerians are marking the 2025 Blood Donor Day under the theme “Give Blood, Give Hope Together We Save Lives.”
Bolarinwa emphasized that many Nigerians have either experienced or heard of situations where a loved one was in urgent need of blood with none available—whether a woman in labour, an anaemic child, an accident victim, or a sickle cell patient. In such cases, families are often forced to find donors themselves, sometimes at exploitative costs.
She stated, “Nigeria, like many low‑income countries, faces persistent blood shortages due to a culture of paid donations, lack of education, myths surrounding blood, and inadequate healthcare funding.
“The need for blood is daily, vital, and continuous. In a country that still meets less than 40 per cent of its annual blood needs, grassroots efforts play a critical role.”
She cited the Haima Health Initiative as one of the organisation’s leading efforts to address the shortfall. Founded in 2016, the youth-led digital blood-bank network operates in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano. The platform uses innovative mobile and web-based tools to connect voluntary donors with patients in real time.
With GPS mapping and emergency request alerts, the platform ensures blood can be sourced and delivered swiftly to those in need.
“The urgency is clear. With Nigeria’s population surpassing 170 million, approximately 1.4 to 1.7 million pints of blood are needed annually, yet only about 38% of that demand is met. Haima is helping to close this gap: over 4,000 patients have already received life-saving transfusions via our volunteer network,” Bolarinwa added.
She noted that beyond technology, Haima strongly emphasises community engagement. Through educational campaigns—especially those targeting young people—the initiative has inspired more than 5,000 youths to become regular donors, fostering a culture of voluntary giving.
She further explained that the organization’s outreach spans social media and includes global-style blood drives. These range from fundraising activities in corporate offices to events on campuses, such as their February blood drive at LASUCOM, which resulted in 100 pints donated—enough to support an estimated 300 lives.
“With unified action, digital innovation, and sustained public engagement, we can ensure safe and timely access to blood for every Nigerian in need,” she concluded.
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