LSBTS sounds alarm as blood demand outpaces supply in Lagos

The Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) has urged blood donor mobilisers, partners and civil society organisations to intensify efforts to close the state’s blood supply gap and build a sustainable system based on voluntary and repeat blood donation. The call was made yesterday at the 2026 Blood Donor Mobiliser Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Ikeja.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of LSBTS, Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, said the meeting came at a critical time when blood demand in Lagos remains high due to childbirth complications, accidents, surgeries, sickle cell crises and cancer treatment, while donation levels fluctuate.

She stressed that blood cannot be manufactured and that only voluntary, non-remunerated and regular donations can ensure a safe and reliable supply. Osikomaiya noted that the sharp drop in donations during the December festive period underscored the need for stronger and better-coordinated donor mobilisation.

Describing donor mobilisers as the most vital link in the blood supply chain, she said policies and facilities alone cannot save lives without trusted voices encouraging donation within communities, workplaces, schools and faith-based institutions.

She explained that the LSBTS 2026 strategy would focus on recruiting more first-time donors and converting them into repeat donors through improved follow-up, donor care, recognition and referral strategies, including the “each one reach one or two” approach.

Presenting the donor recruitment outlook, the Head of Donor Recruitment and Retention, Ms. Olayinka Animashaun, disclosed that LSBTS recruited 7,670 donors in 2025, with 5,656 successful donations from 216 blood drives, despite challenges such as low awareness, myths and logistical constraints.

She said the 2026 focus would be on deeper community engagement, improving donor experience and addressing misconceptions that discourage eligible residents from donating blood.

Representatives of partner organisations, including Rotary Club of Lagos Palm Grove Estate, One Health Lifesavers and others, pledged stronger collaboration to expand outreach, improve awareness and ensure safe blood is consistently available for patients across Lagos State.