Consultant Haematologist at the Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, Lagos, Dr Adebukola Alli, says blood donation helps reduce the risk of gastric cancer and some cardiovascular conditions.

Alli stated this on Monday when the Life Savers International, a blood donation body, in conjunction with the Lagos State Transfusion Services, held its September edition of blood drive exercise at the Alimosho General Hospital in Igando.

Speaking at the event, Dr Alli said that donating blood is a service to humanity that a donor saves more than a life; as every unit of blood is broken into several other units, hard cells, platelets and plasma.

She said:

“Donating blood brings inner joy and a true sense of fulfilment as a human.

“It helps in the replacement of fresh blood cells, improves oxygenation, reduces diseases like gastric cancer and reduction in heart disease.

“The process is a lifesaver at emergency sections in Mother-Child Centres, which has a high demand for blood as a result of bleeding by mothers after childbirth and others.’’

According to her, donating blood every three to four months reduces stress and serves as an anti-ageing factor.

The haematologist, however, tasked intending donors to practice healthy lifestyles.

Mr Taiwo Akinsanya, the co-founder of Life Savers, also said that the organisation created awareness about blood donation to ensure the availability of blood and safe water as essentials that keep life going.

Akinsanya said that the body was committed to create more awareness and encourage a series of a periodic blood donation drive to further sustain the programme.

“This is what we do and we are very passionate about this because it is all about life-saving.

“We are very committed to this and we hope others will join us,’’ he said.

A voluntary donor with the non-profit making organisation, Miss. Nimotala Abari expressed her excitement at the ongoing blood drive.

Abari said that it was always amazing to save a life without spending money, except for the gift of blood to humanity.

The donor appealed to more Nigerians to give back to humanity by donating blood.

NAN