A Professor of Haematology, Titi Adeyemo, has affirmed that it is safe for individuals aged 18 to 65 to donate blood three to four times a year.
Adeyemo, who is also the Head of the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), stated this in an interview with reporters on Tuesday in Lagos.
She explained that the recommended frequency translates to a three-month interval between donations for healthy adults who are not sick, elderly, pregnant or menstruating.
Highlighting the health benefits of blood donation, Adeyemo said it helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke and depression, and can also contribute to longer life expectancy.
“Blood donation keeps the bone marrow active, which in turn helps the individual stay healthier and younger,” she said.
According to her, regular blood donors may live up to five years longer than those who do not donate, partly because donors benefit from routine medical checks that promote a healthier lifestyle.
“An individual can safely donate blood at three-month intervals, which translates to up to three or four donations per year,” she said.
“However, certain categories of people are not eligible to donate blood, including pregnant women, the elderly and sick individuals. Women within the recommended 18 to 65 age bracket can donate after menstruation.”
Adeyemo condemned the commercialization of blood in some blood banks and hospitals, where individuals sell blood for money, describing the practice as illegal and dangerous.
“It is a crime to commercialize blood in Nigeria. The National Health Act of 2014 prohibits the sale and purchase of blood, with penalties including fines of up to N100,000 or imprisonment for up to one year,” she said.
She also expressed concern over Nigeria’s heavy reliance on family replacement donors, where relatives must donate blood in emergencies.
Adeyemo noted that people should not wait for emergencies before donating blood, stressing the need for increased advocacy and awareness about voluntary blood donation.
“There is an urgent need to educate Nigerians on the importance of regular, voluntary blood donation,” she said.
She added that having readily available blood supplies would save more lives, ensuring quicker access for health institutions and patients in need.
