Lagos govt, VCDF mobilise 550 pints of blood in two-day drive

In order to strengthen voluntary blood donation, VCare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) and the Nigerian Red Cross, has mobilised 550 pints of blood during a two-day campaign held recently.

The exercise, supported through the corporate social responsibility initiatives of Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), recorded 550 donors, with 35 per cent participating for the first time. 

Organisers described the outcome as a significant milestone in efforts to deepen public participation in voluntary blood donation across Lagos State.

The 2026 figures continue a steady growth trend in VCDF’s annual blood drives, rising from 98 donors in 2022 to 147 in 2023, 268 in 2024, and 341 in 2025. The organisation’s cumulative total now stands at 1,404 donors — a performance that previously earned VCDF the Blood Donation Champion Award from LSBTS.

Programme coordinators attributed the rising participation to sustained awareness campaigns, community engagement activities, and targeted responses to common myths and religious concerns surrounding blood donation. Behaviour change communication strategies, they noted, have helped reshape public perception and encouraged safer, informed participation.

Sharing their experiences,  Vivian, a third-time donor, said awareness campaigns corrected earlier misconceptions that had discouraged her from donating. While Noah, another participant, explained that he volunteered after his wife benefited from blood transfusion during childbirth. 

Further, a first-time donor Ismail described the experience as fulfilling, citing proper guidance and supportive care throughout the process.

Beyond blood donation, SEEPCO has collaborated with VCDF and partner health organisations for over four years to deliver medical outreach programmes across its operational communities. 

These interventions include free consultations, medications, and basic laboratory tests addressing common health conditions such as hypertension, malaria, typhoid, respiratory infections, and skin diseases across several local government areas.

Health stakeholders emphasised that Nigeria requires between 1.8 and 2 million units of blood annually but currently meets only 25 to 30 per cent of national demand. The shortfall continues to affect emergency care, maternal health, and treatment for sickle cell patients, where timely access to blood remains critical.

Organisers said the 2026 drive demonstrates the impact of sustained collaboration among government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organisations in building a reliable pool of voluntary blood donors and improving community health outcomes. 

VCDF reaffirmed its commitment to expanding public-health interventions through continued partnership support aimed at promoting a healthier Nigeria.

Advertisement