Lagos State Enhances Blood Safety with New Agreement

The Lagos State government has entered into a five-year Blood Screening and Certification Concession Agreement with approved concessionaires to improve blood safety and standardize screening processes across public health facilities. The agreement was signed at the Lagos State Ministry of Health in Alausa-Ikeja.

Professor Akin Abayomi, the Commissioner for Health, described blood as a “liquid organ” requiring precise medical oversight. He stated that blood transfusion is a critical public health service that should not be left solely to market forces due to its implications for patient safety.

The partnership aims to ensure that every unit of blood is screened for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis to international standards. The permanent secretary, Dr.

Dayo Lajide, noted that the agreement represents a significant reform in ensuring reliable blood screening technology. Dr.

Bodunrin Osikomaiya, executive secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, mentioned that the previous concession expired in June 2023, leading to the new structured framework, which expanded from 15 to 97 pages with enhanced safeguards.