National Blood Service Agency Lokoja Center

24/05/2025

News Release: National Blood Service Agency Launches “Safe Blood Project” to Boost Transfusion Safety in Nigeria

In a landmark initiative to enhance the safety and quality of blood transfusion services across Nigeria, the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), in collaboration with Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and Universitätsmedizin Greifswald (UMG), Germany, has launched the “Safe Blood Project.”

This strategic project is designed to build national capacity through targeted training, hands-on skills development, systematic auditing, and sustainability-focused interventions. The first major activity under the initiative is the rollout of a Basic Blood Transfusion Course and a Clinical Haemotherapy Course, aimed at improving transfusion practices nationwide.

Ten Nigerian healthcare institutions will be selected for participation through a competitive application process. Successful institutions must be publicly funded, registered with the NBSA, have a functional transfusion committee, and demonstrate a clear institutional strategy for improving blood safety, including evidence of management support and prior training efforts.

According to the organizers, the training will:

Strengthen knowledge and practice of safe blood transfusion

Promote quality assurance, haemovigilance, and adherence to national guidelines

Build a nationwide network of trained transfusion professionals and mentors

Target participants include medical doctors, laboratory scientists and technicians, donor recruitment officers, phlebotomists, counsellors, and blood bank officers. Each institution can nominate up to three fully funded participants representing various arms of their transfusion services, with room for additional self-funded attendees.

The in-person training will take place at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano and will run for five days (basic course) with an additional two days for physicians attending the haemotherapy course. Certificates will be jointly is

20/04/2025

Easter Message from Prof. Saleh Yuguda, Director General of the National Blood Service Agency, to All Nigerian Blood Donors

Dear Esteemed Blood Donors,

As we celebrate this season of Easter—a time of reflection, renewal, and hope—I extend warm greetings and heartfelt appreciation to every one of you, our heroic blood donors across Nigeria.

Easter reminds us of the power of sacrifice and the gift of life, values that resonate deeply with the act of blood donation. Your selfless decision to give blood, often without knowing who will benefit, is a powerful testament to compassion, unity, and love for humanity. You are the silent champions who give others a second chance at life.

At the National Blood Service Agency, we recognize that the safety and availability of blood in our healthcare system rely heavily on your commitment. Your contributions have continued to save mothers during childbirth, accident victims, patients battling chronic illnesses, and countless others in critical need. For this, we are truly grateful.

As we mark this sacred season, I encourage you to continue being ambassadors of voluntary, safe, and regular blood donation. Together, let us build a culture where giving blood is not just a duty, but a shared national value.

May this Easter bring you and your loved ones peace, joy, and renewed strength. Thank you for giving hope, for giving life, and for giving selflessly.

Warm regards,
Prof. Saleh Yuguda
Director General
National Blood Service Agency (NBSA)
Abuja, Nigeria

05/03/2025

Nigeria Adopts Drone Technology for Blood Delivery in Hard-to-Reach Areas

Access to life-saving blood supplies has received a major boost as the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) partners with Zipline International Nigeria Limited to deploy drone technology for efficient blood delivery across the country.

The collaboration, which draws expertise from Rwanda’s blood service model, aims to enhance the collection, storage, and distribution of blood, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The innovative approach will ensure that hospitals and health centers receive timely blood supplies, reducing delays that often result in loss of lives.

Speaking on the initiative, the Director General of NBSA, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, described the partnership as a groundbreaking step toward improving Nigeria’s healthcare system. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring the success of the project, calling it both a "life-saver and time-saver."

Similarly, Akin Oyediran, the Managing Director of Zipline Nigeria, highlighted the company’s mission to address blood-related emergencies through cutting-edge technology. He praised the NBSA for its forward-thinking approach, noting that the agency’s embrace of technology aligns with Zipline’s goal of reducing preventable deaths caused by blood shortages.

With the introduction of drone-assisted blood delivery, Nigeria joins a growing list of countries leveraging technology to bridge healthcare gaps, further strengthening the national response to medical emergencies.

01/03/2025

15/02/2025

Big shout out to my newest top fans! Atitebi Joshua Alaba, Gee Ibeh, Ezeobi Obiageli Anidueme

12/02/2025

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Ayodele Aguda, Hafsat Umar Aliyu

03/02/2025

https://www.peoplesdailyng.com/germany-nigeria-collaboration-expands-efforts-for-safe-blood-transfusion-in-nigeria/

A groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving blood transfusion safety in Nigeria is gaining momentum through a partnership between Aminu Kano Teaching

03/02/2025

Germany-Nigeria Collaboration Expands Efforts for Safe Blood Transfusion in Nigeria

A groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving blood transfusion safety in Nigeria is gaining momentum through a partnership between Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Universitätsmedizin Greifswald (UMG) in Germany, and the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA). The project, titled "Towards Safe Blood in Nigeria," seeks to expand the success of AKTH's transfusion medicine center to hospitals nationwide.

The collaboration, which began in 2016, has already achieved significant milestones, including the establishment of advanced transfusion medicine standards at AKTH. With expertise and support from German partners, Nigerian haematologists have received training in transfusion safety, quality management, and immunohaematological techniques.

A key goal of the project is to address four critical challenges in Nigeria’s blood transfusion system:

1. Insufficient blood supply to meet demand.

2. Safety risks, including the transmission of infectious diseases.

3. Lack of proper compatibility testing, leading to transfusion reactions.

4. Operational errors due to inadequate training and infrastructure.

To combat these issues, the project will establish a national training center for transfusion medicine at AKTH. The center will provide basic and advanced training for blood bank staff, covering hygiene protocols, donor screening, and compatibility testing for patients with complex conditions like sickle cell disease (SCD). Additionally, a specialized auditor training program will strengthen NBSA’s capacity to monitor and regulate blood banks across the country.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National Health Policy (2016) and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations for improving maternal health, reducing pregnancy-related deaths, and ensuring safer surgeries. With Nigeria home to over six million SCD patients, a reliable blood supply is essential for managing their care.

Over the years, the project has gained international recognition, including an award from the Nigerian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion in 2023 for its contributions to blood safety. Funding from organizations such as the German government (BMZ) and EKFS has supported the establishment of AKTH’s transfusion medicine center, which now serves as a model for other hospitals.

As part of the next phase, blood transfusion managers from across Nigeria will be trained in Kano, ensuring that knowledge is passed down to hospitals in a sustainable way. The NBSA will conduct regular audits to maintain high safety standards, a critical step in addressing Nigeria’s long-standing issues with blood safety and availability.

The project's long -term vision is to create a national network of trained personnel for accreditation of transfusion centers across Nigeria, ensuring that all facilities meet international standards for blood transfusion safety. With the continued commitment of AKTH, UMG, and NBSA, Nigeria is moving closer to achieving a safer and more reliable blood supply system for all.

30/01/2025

NBSA Seeks Stronger Collaboration with US Embassy on Blood Services, Laboratory Support

In a move to strengthen medical laboratory services and blood donation efforts in Nigeria, the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) has welcomed a partnership with the US Embassy Laboratory Services. This development unfolded during a visit by a delegation from the US Embassy, led by Alison Somes, the Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist based in Abidjan.

Speaking during the visit, Somes emphasized the importance of reestablishing collaboration between the US Embassy and the NBSA, particularly in the area of voluntary blood donation. She reaffirmed the commitment of the US government to sustaining efforts aimed at ensuring the availability of safe blood services in Nigeria.

In response, the Director General of NBSA, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, welcomed the team and expressed appreciation for the renewed engagement. He assured the delegation of the agency’s dedication to fostering stronger ties and enhancing blood service delivery across the country.

Prof. Yuguda, however, urged the US Embassy to extend its support beyond just blood donation initiatives. He highlighted the need for collaboration in technical support, research and development, and human capacity building within the agency. According to him, these areas of support would significantly boost safe blood availability and enhance Nigeria’s overall healthcare system.

The visit marks a renewed effort to strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United States in medical laboratory services, with a focus on improving access to safe and adequate blood supply for all residents in the country.

25/01/2025

NBSA Lokoja Center conducted a Blood Drive at Federal University Lokoja,Felele campus. Our sincere shout out to the Heros who Donated Blood to Save Lives.

01/01/2025

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Emmanuel Ogu, Kenny Fabian

25/12/2024

NBSA DG Prof. Saleh Yuguda Extends Christmas and New Year Greetings to Nigerians and Blood Donors

The Director General of the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), Prof. Saleh Yuguda, has extended warm Christmas and New Year wishes to Nigerians and voluntary blood donors across the country.

In his festive message, Prof. Yuguda expressed gratitude to all voluntary blood donors for their selfless contributions, emphasizing their critical role in saving lives and strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.

"As we celebrate this season of love and giving, I want to thank all Nigerians, especially our voluntary blood donors, for their dedication and generosity. Your commitment to humanity continues to make a significant impact in ensuring safe and sufficient blood supply across the country," Prof. Yuguda stated.

He encouraged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of unity, compassion, and support for one another during the holidays and throughout the coming year.

Prof. Yuguda wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to improving blood donation services and enhancing public health.