FG Prohibits Use of Rapid Test-Kits for Blood Screening

In a move to enhance blood safety and ensure the availability of secure blood for transfusions, the Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a directive banning the use of rapid test-kits for screening blood intended for transfusion purposes.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, during a news conference held in Abuja to mark the National Blood Donation Day campaign. Dr. Amuno Ogbonna, the Director of Tertiary Hospital Division of the Ministry, represented Prof. Pate.

The directive aligns with resolutions from the 55th National Council on Health, emphasizing the importance of unimpeded access to safe blood and blood products. The National Blood Service Commission has concurrently initiated the registration of hospital blood banks and Blood Establishments across the nation to regulate their activities effectively.

Prof. Pate stated, “The use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique remains the minimum standard for screening blood meant for transfusion purposes in Nigeria. The continuous use of rapid test-kits for this purpose is unacceptable, and stakeholders are urged to comply fully with this decision.”

Dr. Eneye Suberu, the Acting Director General of the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC), highlighted the importance of year-round blood donation to maintain adequate supplies and achieve universal and timely access to safe blood transfusion. The campaign aims to raise awareness through sensitization, public enlightenment activities, and various media engagements, emphasizing the need for committed, year-round blood donation.

Mr. Mzega Michael, recognized as the highest blood donor with seventy-six contributions, urged the government to expedite the establishment of more donation centers, as the current 15 centers in the country are deemed insufficient.

The 2023 National Blood Donation Day campaign carries the theme “Blood donation, the real act of humanity; Donate blood, give smiles,” focusing on fundamental human values of kindness and altruism that drive voluntary unpaid blood donation.