The importance of blood donation to humanity
The importance of blood donation to humanity and Reason Why You Should Donate Blood
Transfusion of blood and blood products help save millions of lives yearly. The importance of blood donation to humanity cannot be over emphasized. This is 1 good reason why you should donate blood at intervals. Donating blood to others is salient in nature, in real sense is a precious gift of life. When next you do, donate blood proudly.
June 14 is World Blood Donor Day. It is marked on the birthday anniversary of Karl Landsteiner (June 14), the scientist who won the Nobel prize for his discovery of the ABO blood group system.
Who can give blood?
- Fit and healthy
- Weigh between 50-160kg
- Age 17-66
- Over 70yrs and have given blood in the last 2yrs.
Who cannot donate blood?
- Positive with HIV
- Hepatitis B/C carrier
- Have ever had or been treated for syphilis
- Ever been injected with hard drugs, including body building drugs and also tanning agents
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How important is blood donation and how often can I donate blood?
- Men can give blood every 12 weeks.
- Women, every 16 weeks.
Red Flag for donating blood
You must not give blood for at least 3 months if:
- You’re a sex worker, received money or drugs for sex.
- If you’re gay; engage in Man-man oral or anal sex.
- Have a partner with HIV, Hepatitis B/C carrier, syphilis positive.
Religion and Blood Donation:
Anglicans, Catholics, Baptists: Accepts this practice, seen as a charitable act to reduce the pain of others.
Islam: Was a taboo years ago but eventually changed in 1983 by the Moslem Religious Council.
So it’s accepted now as long as the offer is free and there is proof of consent from the donor.
Jehovah’s Witnesses: Frowned at this practice. It is believed that avoiding anything that involves blood is both an act of obedience and respect to God, even in an Emergency situation.
However, use of fractions (of blood) such as albumins, immunoglobulins and hemaphiliac preparations are not absolutely prohibited and are instead, a matter of choice.
Seventh Day adventists/mormons/lutheran church: Accepted
Shintoism: Forbidden
Transfusion of blood help save millions of lives yearly. The importance of blood donation to humanity cannot be over emphasized, Interval blood donation is also good for your health.
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Reasons Why Nigerians don’t donate blood
- Economic hardship, so not a priority.
- Lack of information/awareness.
- Fear of being screened and found with a disease.
- Fear of needles.
- Too busy.
- Require incentives first.
According to WHO, only 10% of Nigerians donate blood freely
60% donate for money
30% donate only to relatives
Nigeria falls under the category of ‘Insufficient blood’ as blood is usually not available when needed for most patients
Only 57 countries as at 2018, collects 100% of their blood supply from voluntary, unpaid blood donors.
Nigeria’s estimated blood needs is 1.8 million units of blood yearly.
Transfusion of blood help save millions of lives yearly. The importance of blood donation to humanity cannot be over emphasized. It is recommended at Intervals to donate blood as it is also good for your health.
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Let’s discuss a little about blood donaton
- Have you ever donated blood?
- How thoroughly were you screened?
- Have you lost someone owing to excess blood loss?
- Do you now have plans to donate blood?
So, money in the bank, but can we bank on your blood?
There is so much more reasons why you should donate blood. Try to be a person that gives that gift of life today.
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