Three weeks after a caesarean section in Abuja, 47-year-old Fiyin began bleeding
heavily. She needed urgent surgery. But first, her family had to find blood.
“My relative had already donated during the first surgery,” she said. “We were
calling people, searching everywhere. Some were willing but couldn’t donate.
Others were unavailable.”
After hours of searching, compatible blood was found. The surgery went ahead.
Fiyin survived. Her story reflects what many families face across Nigeria. When
blood is not available, treatment is delayed. For women with childbirth
complications, children with severe anemia and patients in emergencies, delays
can be life-threatening.
Why safe blood matters
Access to safe, tested blood is essential for health care. It supports surgeries,
childbirth, trauma care and the treatment of diseases. In Nigeria, postpartum
hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal mortality, responsible for approximately
23–30% of maternal mortality.
The need for blood is high. Nigeria requires an estimated 1.8–2 million units each
year, but far less is collected.
World Health Organization (WHO) advises that countries build national blood
systems and coordinate supply through strong policies and networks. The
Organization further recommends that countries collect at least 10 units of blood
per 1,000 people to meet its basic clinical needs.
However, official figures from the National Blood Service Commission indicate
that 371 827 units of blood were collected in 2024, leaving a significant gap
between supply and need.
Fiyin’s experience illustrates the challenge of securing blood for medical use. The
delay highlighted the need for a stronger, more predictable blood supply system
built on regular voluntary donations rather than emergency appeals.
Closing the gap through national policy and action
Nigeria is strengthening its blood system under the National Health Policy, the
Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the National Blood Policy
framework.
The National Blood Service Commission is leading implementation, guided by its
national strategy to expand access to safe blood. Through the support of WHO
and partners, the government is improving how blood is collected, tested, stored
and distributed.
Previously, many hospitals depended on family replacement for donations. Now,
a more coordinated system is emerging, one defined by broader donation
networks and stronger oversight.
WHO supports the Government of Nigeria through technical guidance, policy
development and reviews, quality assurance standards, workforce training and
advocacy for voluntary non-remunerated blood donation. In recent years, this
support has helped strengthen national blood policies, improve quality
management systems, build the capacity of blood service personnel and enhance
the safety, availability and reliability of blood services nationwide.
“Nigeria has made important progress in strengthening its blood system,
expanding facility connectivity and improving blood donation reporting to the
National Blood Service Agency by states and the private sector. Sustaining this
progress will require continued government leadership and regular blood
donation by healthy members of the public” said Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO
Representative in Nigeria.
The country operates 17 coordinated blood service networks across six
geopolitical zones.
Investments are also supporting: workforce training to improve screening
accuracy. Digital tools to track blood supply and reduce delays. Better storage
systems to maintain quality and coordination of network of voluntary blood
donors.
According to NBSA, Early results show progress, official figures shows that
voluntary blood donation increased from 12 568 donations in 2024 to 16 344 in
2025, a growth of over 30%. Still, supply remains below demand.