There must be a push for stricter safety measures to protect donors and recipients globally.

Olajide Bello (a pseudonym to protect his identity) was inspired by the compelling narratives shared during World Blood Donor Day—the benefits of donating blood and its pivotal role in addressing complex medical challenges. However, what began as a noble act of volunteering turned into a harrowing ordeal.

Bello contracted hepatitis after donating blood at a local hospital. Medical tests revealed he had been infected due to contaminated materials used during the procedure. “I didn’t expect this from professionals,” the 34-year-old trader said. “How could such a mistake happen? Why would the attendant use contaminated materials?”

While blood transfusions are heralded for their lifesaving potential, the risks of contamination are often overlooked. Tainted blood—blood contaminated with infectious agents such as HIV or hepatitis—poses a grave threat to recipients and donors alike.

World Blood Donor Day, observed globally on June 14, commemorates Karl Landsteiner’s discovery of the ABO blood group system, a breakthrough that revolutionized the safety of blood transfusions. The day is marked by awareness campaigns, public events, and blood drives highlighting the importance of safe blood donations.

However, the risks associated with unscreened or poorly handled blood donations cast a shadow over these celebrations. Tainted blood transfusions can result from lapses in donor screening, testing, storage, or administration protocols. These failures can lead to the transmission of bloodborne diseases, with hepatitis B and C being particularly concerning due to their potential to cause severe liver damage, cirrhosis, and even cancer.

The dangers of tainted blood are not confined to any one region. In 2018, the Australian Red Cross Service reported that one in every 3,500 donations tested positive for infectious agents, underscoring vulnerabilities in donor evaluation systems. These systemic issues are exacerbated in regions like Northern Nigeria, where hepatitis prevalence ranges from 10% to 15%.

Dr. Ngozi Immaculata Ugwu, a hematologist, emphasizes the importance of continuous public education in addressing these challenges. She explains that donor education and awareness campaigns can significantly influence people’s understanding and attitudes toward blood donation. It’s crucial to ensure that potential donors are informed about their health status and the importance of safe practices.

Preventing the spread of bloodborne infections requires stringent measures, including ensuring thorough vetting of donors and the use of reliable test kits to detect infectious agents. Rigorous protocols must also be adhered to for transporting and storing blood products. Awareness about the risks of tainted blood and the necessity of safe donation practices must also be promoted. Finally, widespread vaccination against hepatitis B must be encouraged, particularly in high-risk regions.

Bello’s experience underscores the urgent need for reforms in systemic blood donation and transfusion practices. The health of donors and recipients must be safeguarded through stringent oversight and unwavering commitment to safety protocols.

As we celebrate the lifesaving power of blood donation, addressing the hidden dangers that threaten this noble act is imperative. Only then can we ensure that every drop of blood truly serves its life-affirming purpose.