By Asma’u Ahmad
The Bauchi State Coordinator of Evidence for Action (E4A), a non-governmental organization, Mr Gideon Poki, said that his organization had encouraged the forming of Association of Blood Donors in the state to assist pregnant women during child birth.
Mr. Poki told newsmen in Bauchi that the initiative was aimed at reducing maternal mortality during delivery, adding that blood was essential during child birth.
He said that such donor associations had drawn membership from active members of the society, mostly youth and civil servants.
According to him, the donors have been trained and sensitized on their vital role in saving the lives of mothers and newly-born babies in the state.
“They do not only donate blood, but also encourage others to do same to help pregnant women in their respective communities,” he said.
A member of one of the blood donors association in Bauchi, Abdullahi Mustapha, told newsmen that he had encouraged over 20 youth to join the fold.
Chairman of Ward Development Committee Forum, Bauchi Local Government Area, Malam Shehu Ahmed, said that the forum had also embarked on advocacy to encourage voluntary blood donation.
He called on the state government to provide facilities needed for the storage of the blood, such as blood bags and also functional blood banks in health centres.
