By Stanley Nwanosike
Enugu – A don, Prof. Amobi Ilika, says blood donation is part of service to humanity meant to appreciate God for giving blood freely in the first place.
Ilika, who works with Community Medicine Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Thursday that free blood donation was beyond the ordinary, as it had moral and religious benefits attached to it.
The professor said as the globe marked World Blood Donor Day fixed for June 14 annually by the UN, this year’s campaign theme was “Blood Donation as Action of Solidarity.’’
He said free blood donation was not harmful, `it is actually healthy for the body.
“On the moral side, the free blood one donates can be used to treat his family members or associates or even one self as health emergencies where blood is needed.
“On the religious side, free blood donation is an act of humanity. It is part of work of mercy to others.
“Thus, one is joining our creator to preserve life which I know God will reward the donor for doing that.”
According to him, it is a great privilege for one to be his brother’s keeper as well as extend help to the helpless.
He emphasised that “free blood donation is safe and has health benefits as it will earn the donor free services of being tested for hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and even malaria before the donation.
“It will also allow the body to build and replenish old blood, thus boosting the donor’s wellness.”
World Blood Donor Day was established in 2004 and observed by World Health Organisation (WHO) member states every year on June 14.
The day is observed to raise awareness about the need for safe blood donation, storage and other related issues.
(NAN)