The Child is Gold Foundation has advocated for more voluntary donation of blood to save more lives who are in dire need.

Speaking during an advocacy for ‘Save blood, save lives’ project of the Foundation, a laboratory scientist with the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Mrs. Adenike Onileowo, said that human bodies are natural producers of cells which replace any donated blood.

According to her, it is advisable to donate blood every 90 days for eligible donors, explaining that donors benefit from free screening before donation while at the same time saving lives of others.

The Foundation which took the advocacy to Yelwa Spartans FC at the Baban Takko football field on Saturday, urged the athletes to imbibe the culture of blood donation to maintain good health. 

Onileowo said that there is a misconception that blood banks trade on the donated blood, she dismissed the impression, saying that blood is given free of charge to the needy.

She said that both men and women between the age of 18 to 60 years could donate blood. Saying that only menstruating, lactating and pregnant women cannot donate. 

Also, the Executive Director, Child is Gold Foundation, Barrister Elizabeth James represented by the Finance Officer, Friday Mapindi, explained that the non-governmental organisation has over the years preached voluntary donation of blood. 

According to him, in 2023, 17 pins of blood were donated through the Foundation while the figure rose to 40 pins in 2024. “This year we decided to reach out to athletes to join the campaign.”

The President of Yelwa Spartans FC, Gibson Gwadabe applauded the Foundation for choosing Yelwa athletes for the orientation. He pledged more cooperation with the organisation.