Posted on: Wed 11-11-2020

The Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Dr. Garba Abari, has said the agency will partner the National Blood Transfusion Service on advocacy visits to traditional and religious leaders across the country to address cultural and religious beliefs which militate against safe blood transfusion in Nigeria.

Abari said this during a courtesy visit of the NBTS national coordinator, Dr. Omale Amedu to the agency.

A statement issued  by the NOA Assistant Director (Press), Paul Odenyi, quoted Abari as saying that, “Many Nigerians are not aware of the health benefits of blood donation, while some of the few who are aware refrain from donating because of strongly held beliefs and practices.”

“These have led to huge avoidable loss of lives in times of emergency. The issues of cultural cum religious beliefs that are inimical to voluntary blood donation must be addressed and changed in order to encourage people to donate and access safe blood.”

Source: Punch

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