From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
On World Blood Donor Day 2025, Haima Health Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, highlighted that Nigeria requires approximately 1.7 million pints of blood annually but meets only 38 per cent of this demand, contributing to preventable deaths and health crises.
The founder of Haima Health Initiative, Bukola Bolarinwa, in a statement released to journalists in Abuja, announced the theme for 2025: *Give Blood, Give Hope, Together We Save Lives*.
According to the statement, many Nigerians face the distressing reality of loved ones in hospitals needing blood that is unavailable, whether for women in labour, anaemic children, accident victims, or sickle cell patients. Patients are often forced to find donors, some of whom charge exorbitant fees.
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The need for blood is daily, vital, and continuous. In a country meeting less than 40 per cent of its blood requirements, grassroots efforts like Haima Health Initiative are critical. Founded in 2016 and operating in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano, Haima Health offers an innovative mobile and web platform to connect voluntary donors with patients in real-time, featuring GPS mapping and emergency request alerts to ensure swift blood delivery.
Bolarinwa stated: “The urgency is clear. With Nigeria’s population surpassing 170 million, approximately 1.4 to 1.7 million pints of blood are needed annually—yet only about 38% of the demand is met. Haima helps close this gap: over 4,000 patients have already received life-saving transfusions via the initiative’s volunteer network.
“Beyond technology, Haima emphasises community engagement. Through educational campaigns, especially targeting young people, the initiative has inspired more than 5,000 youths to become regular donors, promoting a culture of voluntary giving.
“With unified action, digital innovation, and continued public engagement, we can ensure safe and timely access to blood for every Nigerian in need.”
Haima Health will continue partnering with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, the National Blood Service Commission, and the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, which collect, screen, and process blood for patients.
“Nigeria, like many low-income countries, faces persistent blood shortages due to a culture of paid donations, lack of education, myths surrounding blood, and inadequate funding of the healthcare system,” Bolarinwa added.
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