Shaping Health — Blood Drive
Two community blood donation drives held in partnership with the Seva Center for Development Initiatives.
Problem Statement
Nigeria's health sector continues to grapple with deep-rooted challenges — from inadequate infrastructure and the emigration of skilled health professionals to insufficient access to safe blood. The National Blood Service Commission estimates Nigeria needs 2–2.2 million units of safe blood annually, yet only 450,000–500,000 units are collected each year. This shortfall contributes to preventable deaths, particularly among patients with maternal complications, sickle cell crises, and accident-related injuries.
Proposed Solution
Under the Shaping Progressive and Inclusive Health Outcomes initiative, the Abuja Global Shapers Community partnered with the Seva Center for Development Initiatives (CDI) to hold a blood drive on 20 October 2025 at the National Hospital, Abuja. The drive combined on-site donation with awareness storytelling to demystify donation and mobilise young voluntary donors.
Hub Activities
Donation drive
- Blood drive held on 20 October 2025 at the National Hospital, Abuja with Seva CDI
- Over 20 participants registered; the hospital medical team ran screenings and eligibility tests
- Four participants were found fit and completed donations
Advocacy and awareness
- Photo documentation, interviews, and social media campaigns reaching over 2,000 people
- Messaging on the national need for donors, that one donation can save up to three lives, and the role of youth-led health action
Goals
Short-term Goals
- Increase the availability of safe blood units for patients needing transfusion at the National Hospital, Abuja
- Encourage voluntary blood donation among young people
- Raise awareness about regular blood donation and demystify the process
Long-term Goals
- Foster collaboration between youth-led organisations and healthcare institutions
- Highlight the role of young people in progressive and inclusive health outcomes in Nigeria
Key Results / KPIs
- Over 20 participants registered for the October 2025 drive
- 4 successful donations completed after medical screening
- Over 2,000 people reached through advocacy and social media
- 1 life directly saved through a matched donation
Impact Outcome
A mother whose daughter was admitted to the National Hospital urgently needed blood, but the blood bank had no matching unit. One of the volunteers at the drive turned out to be a perfect match, and the timely donation allowed the girl to receive her transfusion. Several other registered participants were ineligible due to temporary medical restrictions such as low haemoglobin or recent medication — a lesson that future drives need pre-donation sensitisation and broader partnerships with corporate institutions and universities to widen participation.
Impact Alignment
Global Shapers impact area: Health and Healthcare