UNIMEDTH/SH AKURE CELEBRATES WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY AT ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY

The University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital/Specialist Hospital (UNIMEDTH/SH), Akure has on last week Thursday marked the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day with a series of events at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko. 

The celebration aimed to honour blood donors and raise awareness about the significance of voluntary blood donation.

The event attracted healthcare professionals from various organizations, including UNIMEDTH/SH Akure, the World Health Organization (WHO), APIN Public Health Initiative, The Blood Drive Network, the Young Medical Laboratory Scientist Forum Ondo State Chapter, and the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter. 

The theme for this year, “Share Life, Give Blood,” underscored the essential role of blood donation in saving lives and promoting health.

Mrs. Christianah Awe, Director of Medical Laboratory Services at UNIMEDTH/SH Akure, addressed the students, expressing gratitude to blood donors and noting the selflessness of their contributions. She encouraged the public to see blood donation as a vital social responsibility.

“Blood can never be enough in the blood bank,” Mrs. Awe stated. “That’s why we are urging the public to take blood donation seriously. Anyone can need blood—whether it’s you, your family, your neighbor, or your friends. Let’s see blood donation as an opportunity to save lives.”

Mrs. Awe also noted that the Medical Laboratory Services at UNIMEDTH/SH Akure offers free screenings for blood donors.

The students expressed their appreciation for the awareness campaign and many volunteered to donate blood, committing to make it a regular practice.