In an effort to address the significant blood supply deficit in the nation and save lives, the National Association of Seadogs, popularly known as Pyrates Confraternity, has made a generous blood donation to the Federal Medical Center in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.
This act of benevolence, organized by the Zanas Deck (Lagos Mainland Chapter) of the association, was carried out to commemorate the 2023 World Blood Donor Day. Celebrated annually on June 14th, this day aims to raise awareness about the importance of safe blood and blood products for saving lives. It is also an opportunity to express gratitude to voluntary blood donors for their invaluable contribution to society.
With the theme for this year’s commemoration being “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often,” the Pyrates Confraternity demonstrated their unwavering commitment to this cause. According to the World Health Organization, donating just one unit of blood can potentially save the lives of up to three patients.
The event witnessed a remarkable turnout, with over 30 members of the NAS, their spouses, and children actively participating in the exercise. This bi-annual medical intervention initiative is part of the NAS medical mission, which endeavors to address critical areas of need in the healthcare sector.
Mr. Nnamdi Agulonu, the Capoon of Zanas Deck, who led the members during the blood donation exercise, emphasized that the Pyrates Confraternity consistently responds to the call to save lives. He stated that this exercise is part of a series of blood donation initiatives planned by the organization.
Agulonu explained that the decision to donate blood to FMC Ebute-Metta this quarter was influenced by the blood bank shortages experienced by patients seeking treatment at the tertiary health facility. He further revealed that the association had previously donated blood to the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Yaba and the National Orthopedic Hospital in Igbobi, Lagos.
“We have identified this societal gap and are determined to contribute to humanity’s upliftment by ensuring that every six months, our members donate blood within their immediate locality,” Agulonu declared.
Dr. Dada Adedemola, the representative of the Chief Medical Director of FMC Ebute-Metta, expressed deep appreciation to the members of Zanas Deck for their act of kindness. He also urged Nigerians to consider donating blood to support the less privileged in society. Dr. Adedemola outlined the numerous benefits of blood donation, including the stimulation of new blood cell production, the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk, prevention of excess body iron, access to simple health screenings, and the self-satisfaction of saving lives.
Furthermore, he highlighted that blood donors play a crucial role in assisting individuals of all ages, from accident and burn victims to heart surgery and organ transplant patients, as well as those battling cancer. Dr. Adedemola called on other public-spirited organizations to emulate the Pyrates Confraternity and donate blood to the hospital.
It is worth recollecting that during last year’s commemoration, the National Coordinator of the National Blood Service Commission, Dr. Joseph Amedu, lamented the inadequacy of voluntary blood donors in Nigeria. Out of the approximately 500,000 units of blood collected annually, only five percent comes from voluntary donors. This is a substantial shortfall considering that Nigeria, with its population of around 200 million, requires approximately two million units of blood.
Dr. Amedu emphasized the crucial importance of blood transfusion and expressed concern that the majority of the blood sourced in Nigeria comes from paid commercial and family replacement donors. He called for a greater emphasis on voluntary donations to ensure a sustainable and safe blood supply in the country.
