Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Says Blood Donation leads to Longer Life Expectancy

Regular blood donation may contribute to a longer lifespan, with donors potentially living up to five years longer than non-donors, according to an expert at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

Professor Titi Adeyemo, Head of the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion at LUTH, made this assertion on Wednesday during a voluntary blood donation drive at the News Agency of Nigeria’s Lagos office.

Adeyemo, who is also a Consultant Haematologist, explained that donating blood stimulates bone marrow activity, which aids in keeping the body younger and healthier.

“It is very safe for people between the ages of 18 and 65 to donate blood three or four times a year,” she said. “Blood donation keeps the bone marrow active, and once the bone marrow is active, it keeps the individual younger. Some evidence shows that regular blood donors live five years longer than those who do not donate regularly, as their bone marrow is continually renewed.”

The expert also expressed concern over Nigeria’s continued reliance on family replacement donors—where relatives are required to donate blood in emergency situations—rather than having a steady supply of voluntary donors.

She urged the public not to wait for emergencies before donating blood, emphasizing the importance of regular contributions to national blood banks.

According to Adeyemo, LUTH’s Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion actively responds to invitations for blood donation drives, aiming to supplement the blood supply generated within the hospital and encourage voluntary blood donation culture in Nigeria.