Genesis Medical Diagnostics Centre celebrates Blood Donor Day, urges Nigerians to embrace blood donation
Yinka ADETUNJI
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As the world marks World Blood Donor Day, Saturday, Genesis Medical Diagnostics Centre, Ogbomoso, Oyo state, has urged Nigerians to freely donate blood, noting such blood donated would help to save lives.
This is contained in a statement signed by the CEO/Lead Consultant of the centre, Prince Olawuyi V. Oyetayo.
Dwelling on the 2025 theme, ‘Give Blood, Give Plasma, Share Life, Share Often’, Prince Olawuyi emphasized the importance of voluntary donation of blood and plasma, saying there is a wide gap between the required amounts annually and what is usually donated.
He therefore charged Nigerian citizens to have a change of attitude in this direction stressing donated blood is always a lifeline.
The statement in full:
Today, on World Blood Donor Day 2025, Genesis Medical Diagnostics Centre, Ogbomoso proudly joins the global health community to honour the countless men and women who selflessly donate blood to save lives. This year’s theme, ‘Give Blood, Give Plasma, Share Life, Share Often’, highlights not just the act of giving blood but the power of consistent, voluntary donations both of whole blood and plasma.
Across hospitals, emergency rooms, maternity wards, and cancer treatment units, donated blood remains a lifeline. Yet, in Nigeria, thousands of lives are lost annually due to the shortage of safe and readily available blood.
Why Blood and Plasma Donation Matters
Blood is a vital, life-sustaining tissue. Its components red cells, plasma, and platelets are essential in treating haemorrhage, cancer, trauma, surgeries, sickle cell disease, and more. Plasma, the liquid por-tion of blood, is used to treat burn victims, immune deficiencies, and bleeding disorders.
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Nigeria’s Blood Supply Challenge: A Call to Action
Annual demand: 1.8 million units
Actual collection: ~500,000 units
Voluntary donations: <10%
This shortfall means delayed treatments and preventable deaths.
Genesis Medical calls on all Nigerians to rise to the occasion.
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Who Can Donate Blood or Plasma?
- Ages 18 to 65
- Minimum weight: 50kg
- In good health, no chronic conditions
- Not on long-term medication
Plasma can be donated every 2 weeks, blood every 34 months
What Are the Benefits of Donating?
- Saves lives up to 3 per donation
- Promotes cardiovascular health
- Stimulates red blood cell production
- Free health screening
- Personal satisfaction
Genesis Medicals Commitment
We’re launching the #OgbomosoBloodCares Campaign including:
– Free blood grouping and haemoglobin screening
- Advocacy visits to communities
- Mobile donation drives
- Community donor honour roll
Message from the CEO
‘Every unit of blood or plasma given is a silent act of heroism. At Genesis Medical, we believe that donating blood should become a norm. One day, it could be your loved one who needs blood. Give now give life.’
