Government at all levels has been charged to provide blood banks across all Primary Healthcare Centers to prevent and manage postpartum hemorrhage which is the leading cause of maternal deaths in the country.
Similarly, people have been urged to embrace voluntary blood donation towards addressing the rising cases of maternal and child mortality due to Postpartum Haemorrhage PPH.
The Head of Haematology Department of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital ATBUTH, Dr Falmata Grema made the call during Iya Ruwa, a Globe FM Bauchi Hausa live phone in programme in commemoration of the 2025 World Blood Donor Day.
Dr Falmata Grema said postpartum haemorrhage accounts for 3.2 to 14.3 percent of every 1000 maternal death, hence the need for government and other stakeholders to take decisive action in addressing the problem.
HOD ATBUTH Hematology Dept Speaking on PPH and Blood Donation at Radio Nigeria Globe FM Bauchi.
Highlighting the gaps in blood transfusion services, the Haematologist said the country which requires an estimated 2 million units of blood annually, has only about 27% of such amount met, leaving a staggering 73.3% shortfall yearly.
She appealed to people between the sges of 17 to 65 with weight from 50 kg and above and without any transmissible disease to voluntarily donate blood so as to save the lives and pregnant women.
According to Dr Grema, the blood has a lifespan of 120 days in the human body, making every individual to undergo the process of natural blood renewal at least three times every year.
She said the World Blood Donor day commemoration was organised by the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria MWAN in collaboration with the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy ACEPHAP, Pathfinder and CCSI.
Callers to the programme, Buba Na Kan Corner Mai Shayi, Kabiru Labaran Ningi, Umar Danfulani Toro, Zulkiflu Unguwar Dashi, Baballe Unguwar Dawaki and Muhammad Kandahar called on government to provide blood banks at all primary healthcare centers to reduce maternal mortality in rural areas.
They also called for the constitution of a committee to create awareness at rte grassroots and ensure adequate support for pregnant women in that regard.
By Abubakar Baba Ahmad
