Lara Adejoro Recent data show that more people are dying from lack of access to blood and blood products than from communicable diseases in developing countries, according to the Director General of the National Blood Service Commission, Prof Saleh Yuguda. He stated this in Abuja on Friday at the 2024 World Blood Donor Day Celebration themed, ’20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors!’ Two decades ago, the World Health Organisation established WBDD to raise awareness about the critical importance of voluntary non-remunerated blood donation, the need for safe blood and blood products, and to appreciate blood donors for their voluntary life-saving gift of blood. The WHO recommends that all activities related to blood collection, testing, processing, storage, and distribution be coordinated at the national level through effective organisation and integrated blood supply networks.
In Nigeria, the NBSC was established in 2021 through the NBSC Act, 2021, with the mandate to coordinate, regulate, and ensure the provision of quality blood, blood products, and services in line with the National Health Plan. Communicable, or infectious diseases, are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that can be spread directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Some are transmitted through insect bites while others are caused by ingesting contaminated food or water.
Communicable diseases are HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, viral hepatit.