Blood Donation Campaign in Gombe Targets 1,000 Pints

Blood Donation Campaign in Gombe Targets 1,000 Pints

By Hajara Usman

The Gombe State Ministry of Health says it has set a target of 1,000 pints of blood from voluntary donors, with 250 pints already collected to help save lives.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, disclosed this during the celebration of the State Blood Donation Day in Gombe on Saturday.

He said the initiative was aimed at saving lives and addressing the persistent shortage of blood in hospitals across the state.

According to him, the donated blood will be distributed to specialist and general hospitals across the 11 Local Government Areas, as well as the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.

“Coincidentally, today is Valentine’s Day, and we are celebrating it by showing love through the donation of blood.

“This humanitarian gesture will go a long way in saving lives, especially for patients in emergency situations, pregnant women, accident victims and those undergoing surgery,” Dahiru said.

He noted that access to safe blood remains a challenge for many families, particularly those who cannot afford to pay for a pint due to poverty.

The free donation drive, he explained, is designed to ensure that no life is lost due to the inability to access blood when needed.

Dr Ben Tswabki, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), who attended the event, described the initiative as laudable.

He expressed optimism that deaths resulting from blood shortages could become a thing of the past if such efforts are sustained.

“Some people cannot even afford a pint of blood because of financial constraints. With this donation campaign, many lives will be saved,” he said.

Tswabki also commended the state government and voluntary donors for their commitment.
The Deputy Governor of Gombe, Dr Manassah Jatau, described the day as a special moment to appeal to the spirit of humanity and compassion among citizens.

He called on residents to continue supporting one another through voluntary blood donation, emphasising that saving lives is a collective responsibility.

He expressed deep appreciation to all blood donors, particularly religious organisations, for their strong participation and commitment to the cause.

Jatau stressed that blood stored in the state’s blood bank is not for sale and assured the public that strict monitoring measures would be put in place, including oversight of medical personnel, to ensure transparency and accountability.

He added that the overwhelming response from donors reflects the unity and love that the people of Gombe have for one another, describing it as a powerful demonstration of community spirit and solidarity.

Blood Donation Campaign in Gombe Targets 1,000 Pints