The federal government has launched a new initiative aimed at transforming blood transfusion services across the country.

The safe blood project, unveiled at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, is Nigeria’s first national training programme dedicated to transfusion safety.

Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, represented at the event by Salaudeen Jimoh, director of hospital services, described the launch as a “significant milestone in our collective effort to strengthen healthcare systems and save lives”.

“Safe blood is not just a medical commodity; it is a lifeline,” Pate said.

“Every day in Nigeria, mothers in childbirth, children with severe anaemia, victims of road accidents, and patients undergoing surgeries depend on blood to survive.

“Unsafe transfusion practices can cause harm rather than healing. That is why this project is so vital.”

The minister added that the initiative aligns with the federal government’s priority of reducing maternal and child mortality and improving emergency care.

“Access to safe blood is a fundamental right in modern healthcare,” he said.

“With this project, Nigeria is moving closer to achieving universal health coverage.”

Pate said the project is a statement of intent by the government to guarantee safe blood access across Nigeria.

“This launch represents our renewed determination to guarantee that every Nigerian, regardless of location or circumstance, has access to safe, adequate, and quality-assured blood and blood products whenever needed,” he said.

The safe blood project, coordinated by the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), is designed to train health workers in transfusion medicine, strengthen laboratories for safe screening and storage, and promote voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation.

It will also support research to guide policy and establish monitoring systems to reduce transfusion-related risks.