By Uloma Peace Okorie
Residents in FCT suburban communities urge the National Blood Service Commission to bring donation centres closer and launch awareness campaigns for rural dwellers.
Many residents of suburban communities around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including Kabusa, Guduwi, and Dakwu villages, have expressed a strong desire to donate blood voluntarily to save lives but lament the absence of nearby blood donation centres.
The situation, according to concerned residents, has discouraged willing donors who are motivated purely by humanitarian reasons. They say the lack of outreach facilities in these areas poses a serious challenge to blood supply efforts, especially during medical emergencies.
“We have people here who are ready to donate blood out of love to help others, but we don’t have any donation centre close by,” one resident of Kabusa said. “We appeal to the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) to come to our communities.”
Observers have therefore called on the management of NBSC to expand its services beyond urban areas and double its efforts to reach suburban and rural communities around the FCT.
A suggestion has also been made for the Commission to introduce a radio awareness programme, particularly in the evenings, to educate residents of remote areas about the importance of blood donation and inform them of the nearest locations where they can safely donate.
According to the suggestion, such programmes will help bridge the information gap between city dwellers and rural volunteers, ensuring that blood donation is seen as a nationwide civic responsibility rather than an activity reserved for urban residents.
Experts believe that bringing the service closer to willing donors in these villages will not only strengthen Nigeria’s blood supply chain but also promote the spirit of compassion and community service among citizens.