“Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.”
That’s the global theme of World Blood Donor Day 2025, marked annually on June 14. But for many Nigerians in the UK, this day hits home in more ways than one.
Why Blood Health is a Big Deal for Our Community
Let’s be real — low blood is a term many of us grew up hearing from aunties and uncles, often used to describe fatigue, paleness, or “general body weakness.” Medically, what we often mean is anaemia — low red blood cell or haemoglobin levels, often caused by iron deficiency.
According to the NHS, people of African and Caribbean descent are more likely to have certain conditions like sickle cell disease and thalassemia, which can require regular blood transfusions. That’s why diverse blood donors are so urgently needed — especially Black donors.
Blood Donations: We Are Needed
In the UK, less than 1% of blood donors are Black, yet Black patients are overrepresented in conditions requiring frequent transfusions. The best matches for transfusions often come from people of the same ethnic background.
You could literally be a match that saves a life.
If you’re healthy, over 17, and meet NHS criteria, donating blood takes less than an hour — and could help someone live longer, manage chronic illness, or survive surgery.
📍 Find a donation centre near you: https://www.blood.co.uk
What If You Can’t Donate? Protect Your Blood Anyway
Even if you’re not eligible to donate, keeping your blood healthy is still vital. Many in our community, especially women, are low in iron, vitamin B12, and folate. This can cause tiredness, dizziness, hair loss, and poor concentration.
Here’s how to boost and maintain good blood health:
✅ Eat Iron-Rich Nigerian Meals
- Ugu (pumpkin leaves), Efo riro, bitterleaf soup – leafy greens are packed with iron.
- Add red meat, snails, liver, or fish – just not in excess.
- Combine iron-rich foods with vitamin C (like orange or pineapple juice) to help your body absorb more iron.
✅ Don’t Skip Your Blood Tests
- Register with a GP and ask for a full blood count if you feel constantly tired.
- Ask for ferritin, B12, and folate tests if you’re a woman, pregnant, or have heavy periods.
✅ Supplement Safely
- Only take iron tablets or multivitamins if prescribed or recommended by a healthcare provider — too much iron can be harmful.
- Consider fermented foods (like ogi or yoghurt) and hydration to improve gut health and absorption.
In Summary
World Blood Donor Day is more than just about donations — it’s a powerful reminder that blood is life. As Nigerians in the UK, our unique health needs, cultural habits, and dietary practices make blood health something we must prioritise.
So whether you’re donating blood, checking your iron levels, or simply tweaking your diet — you’re taking a step toward a healthier you and a stronger community.
Let’s share life. Let’s stay strong. Let’s take care of our blood.
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