Haematologists and blood transfusion experts have clarified that donating blood does not negatively affect libido or sexual desire in men.

They also ensure that the process is safe and does not make donors sick, as thorough screenings and tests are conducted before donation.

It is emphasized that both males and females can donate blood, and there is a critical need for voluntary donors to save lives.

However, Wakadaily learnt that, misconceptions and fears such as reduced sexual performance and infection are hindering voluntary blood donation.

Currently, only 27 per cent of blood is obtained from voluntary donors in Nigeria, with the rest coming from commercial or family replacement donors.

The World Health Organization advocates for 100% voluntary blood donation to ensure the safety and sustainability of blood banks worldwide. World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14 to raise awareness and appreciation for voluntary blood donors and their crucial role in ensuring a safe blood supply.

The WBDD theme for 2024 is: “Celebrating 20 Years of Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors!”

Information shared by the World Health Organization indicates that among the 118.5 million blood donations received globally, 40% originate from high-income countries.

Furthermore, in lower-middle-income nations like Nigeria, where it falls within the World Bank classification, the rate of blood donations stands at 6.6 per 1,000 individuals.

Reports obtained by Wakadaily reveal that Dr. Akinbami Abduljaleel, a professor specializing in Hematology and Blood Transfusion at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja, stressed the importance of screening and assessing all potential blood donors for their suitability before donation.

Dr. Abduljaleel highlighted the significance of testosterone, a hormone linked to red blood cell production in males, in the WHO’s recommendation that male donors should have a packed cell volume (PCV) greater than 39 and females should have a PCV exceeding 36. Donors failing to meet the required PCV levels are not accepted.

Additionally, Dr. Abduljaleel debunked the misconception that donating blood could lead to illness or reduce libido in men.

“It is very safe to donate blood and it has nothing whatsoever to do with libido because libido is controlled by the brain and spinal cord. So anything that can affect the brain and spinal cord can affect libido. So blood donation does not in any way affect or lead to the loss of libido and it is very safe for donors,” the don reassured.

He expressed concern over the inadequate culture of voluntary blood donation in the country, leading to a shortage in blood banks. Additionally, he noted that unverified myths and misconceptions about blood donation further discourage people from adopting this lifesaving practice.

Highlighting the benefits of blood donation, the haematologist,

said “The lifespan of red blood cells, which is the longest, is 120 days in the body. It is produced in the bone marrow and whether one donates it or not, after 120 days, the cells are destroyed and then there is an automatic replacement as long as one is still alive. Once the blood level drops, there is what is called a negative feedback mechanism that tells the bone marrow to produce the same amount of quantity of what was destroyed after 120 days.

“So it is only wise to donate blood that will save the life of another person rather than wait for 120 days to get it destroyed in the body. Donating blood is something that will make one happy because no one knows whose life one is going to save with the blood donated. So that is what I would call a benefit from God.”

He afuther stated that voluntary blood donation allows donors to undergo a mini-medical checkup as individuals who are detected to be hypertensive or diabetic during the pre-donation screening are advised to see the doctor.

Abduljaleel mentioned, “We also do a blood group for them and their immunoglobulin genotypes. So, these are what I would call benefits because they are free of charge once you have donated blood.

“We honour them (voluntary donors) every year. For example, June 5 was the 20th anniversary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service and I was one of the panellists. Voluntary blood donors were recognised, given a plaque and had a handshake with the representative of the Lagos State Governor, the Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, and they were happy. So these are some of the benefits.”

The haematologist stated that although Lagos State has the highest rate of voluntary blood donors at 10%, other states have as low as three to five percent. He pointed out that family replacement donors are often pressured to donate blood, which is not a sustainable practice. He highlighted the high rates of infections like HIV, Hepatitis B and C among family replacement and commercial blood donors, stressing the importance of pre-donation infection screening.

Abduljaleel noted that for patients without family donors, a policy of payment for blood transfusion is in place, with blood obtained from accredited private blood banks if necessary. Private blood banks in the state bring their blood to government hospitals for screening, with approved units labeled with a Lagos State stamp and failed units confiscated.

He urged for more advocacy to educate Nigerians on the benefits and importance of voluntary blood donation.

“So, we need to change our mindset. Many lives are lost due to lack of blood and we that are directly involved are directly aware of it. So, it is the responsibility of the governments to turn a new leaf and invest more. It is also the responsibility of the people to donate blood regularly. One can donate three times a year or a maximum of four times.

“So, if everybody is involved, from 18 years to 65 years, whether male or female, then there will be an increased supply of blood.

“As it is, there is a gap between supply and demand, and the demand far outweighs the supply, and the gap needs to be breached,” the haematologist stated.

A blood transfusion expert advocated for government investment in expanding and centralizing blood banks to meet local blood needs.

Additionally, Professor Kaladada Korubo dispelled myths surrounding blood donation, assuring that it does not lead to reduced libido in men or illness in donors, and emphasizing that rigorous screening and testing ensure donor safety.

“So, with the questionnaire, if someone has any ailment or disease, it will be identified. In addition to that, vital signs like blood pressure will be checked. Donating blood does not make somebody fall sick except if the person already has a sickness undetected sickness.

“Also, the blood level of the donors will also be checked. You must have blood within the normal level and have enough to give so that after you donate it won’t affect you. So blood donation should be safe for both the donor and the patient,” the don said.

The haematologist further noted that there is usually a time interval, which is a minimum of three months between the last blood donation and the current one.

“Also, try not to donate more than three, a maximum of four times in a year. If someone donated blood last month and then wants to donate again the next month, the person is creating problems for him or herself. If the ideal circumstances are kept to, one should not fall sick donating blood,” the don noted.

Professor Korubo, a hematologist, warned that commercial blood donors often disregard safe donation guidelines, putting their health at risk.

She reassured first-time donors that temporary dizziness after donating is normal and quickly resolves with rest and hydration.

Regular voluntary donors, Korubo noted, receive free health checks, promoting healthy living.

While blood donation benefits both parties, she expressed concern over the low rate of voluntary donors, forcing hospitals to rely on family replacement and commercial donors, which can be risky and perpetuates a culture of paid donation over voluntary donation.

“The World Health Organisation says that the safest blood comes from a voluntary blood donor and it’s very simple to understand why. Why is it safe for the voluntary blood donor? Because the voluntary blood donor has nothing to gain in donating blood.

“However, if I want to donate blood for my brother or sister, there are certain things that I would be asked, maybe during the filling out of the blood donor questionnaire, I may give false information.

“The reason is that I want to donate to my brother at all costs, right? Then, when you compare it with the commercial blood donors, of course, their primary gain is that they want to donate for cash,” she stated.

Professor Korubo, a Consultant Haematologist, expressed concern that the ongoing reliance on commercial and family replacement blood donors in hospitals may undermine blood safety standards.

To address this, she urged Nigerians to voluntarily donate blood on World Blood Donor Day (June 14) and beyond, encouraging first-time and infrequent donors to take advantage of blood drives and contribute to saving lives while ensuring a safe blood supply.

This year’s theme is Celebrating 20 years of giving: thank you, blood donors. So, the advice is, please come and donate blood. There are always patients in need of blood.

“If we can have only one per cent of our population donating blood voluntarily, it will go a long way. We’re not even asking for 10 per cent of the population. We’re a country of over 200 million people, if we have voluntary blood donors who regularly donate blood, it will go a long way in taking care of patients’ needs in the hospital.

“Don’t say, ‘Oh, I don’t have blood’. ‘Oh, no, it’s not for me’, ‘I can’t do it’, ‘Oh, I’m a woman, I can’t donate’. No, there’s nothing like that. Females can donate. The most important thing is that donor’s safety is always ensured,” Korubo assured.