By Abdullahi Jalalludeen
The Kano Cancer Treatment Centre (KCTC), Giginyu, has appealed to residents of Kano State and beyond to embrace the spirit of sacrifice by donating blood to save lives, particularly those of cancer patients who frequently require transfusions.
The Chief Executive Officer of the centre, Dr. Nafisa Abdu, made the call during the Annual Blood Drive Project organized by the Global Shapers Community, Kano Hub, in collaboration with KCTC.
The event held at the state-of-the-art facility in Giginyu, Nasarawa Local Government Area, drew dozens of volunteers and health advocates.
Dr. Abdu explained that although the centre was only established late last year, the management was determined to make blood donation a yearly tradition.
She said the drive would help address the persistent shortage of blood for patients undergoing critical treatments.
“Cancer patients often require transfusions during surgery, chemotherapy, or emergency care. By hosting the blood drive, KCTC not only provides the venue but also adds a unique cancer-awareness component,” .
“This year’s event features free self-breast-examination training, standard medical screenings, and health education sessions to enlighten participants on the importance of early detection and a healthy lifestyle.”
The CEO urged corporate bodies, philanthropists, and healthcare stakeholders to partner with the centre to expand its lifesaving efforts.
“Partnerships are crucial for sustaining this initiative and meeting the growing demands of patients who come to us from across the country,”.
Speaking on the centre’s structure, Aisha Muhammad, Head of Administration, described KCTC as a model of public private partnership designed to provide world-class cancer care while building strong community engagement.
“We are deliberately projecting our activities to attract more professionals and collaborations. Our aim is to ensure that KCTC remains a beacon of hope for cancer patients and their families,”
Head of Nursing, Dr. Lawan Rano, highlighted that all donors underwent comprehensive health screenings to ensure safety for both donors and recipients.
“Every pint collected today meets the highest medical standards,” he assured.
Several donors expressed satisfaction and joy at contributing to a cause that could save countless lives.
One of the Volunteers, Malam Bashir Bello said “It feels good to know that something as simple as giving blood can help a cancer patient survive,”
The blood drive marks KCTC’s first major public outreach since its inception. With cancer cases on the rise nationwide and blood banks often running low, the centre hopes to make the event a permanent fixture on Kano’s healthcare calendar.
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