BURSTING BLOOD MYTHS: A Conversation Between Bola & Ebuka
It was a normal afternoon in Bola’s class WhatsApp group when a message popped up:
“Urgent! Our Sanusi was in an accident and needs 2 units of O+ type blood. Please, anyone who can donate should indicate.”
Bola stared at her phone, heart racing. She wanted to help, but doubts immediately crept in. Was she healthy enough? Would it hurt? Could she actually donate while on her period?
Because of her fears, she didn’t go to donate.
Later that day, she chanced upon her classmate, Ebuka, at a café, a regular blood donor who always seemed calm and confident about giving blood, and advocated for it.
[Scene: Bola and Ebuka are sitting in a café, catching up after both devouring 3 wraps of fufu with a mix of Afang and Edikaikong. ]
Bola: Ebuka, I saw that message about Sanusi’s accident. I really wanted to help, but… I’m honestly not sure I have enough blood to give.
Ebuka: I can understand how you feel and it’s a good thing you have the urge to help. The intention to help is a big first step and I’m proud of you for that. About not having enough blood, the truth is adults have about 4.5 – 5.5 litres of blood, which is about the volume of one gallon of palm oil. What they take is just about 0.5 litres, which is just 1 in 9 of the average blood volume, about the size of sachet ‘pure water’.
Bola: Really? I never thought of it that way. But how will they know that if I give that one sachet, I will not faint?
Ebuka: [grinning] Faint kwa? When you go to donate, they do a blood check to know if you have enough blood for yourself and an excess to donate. So what they take from you is the excess. If you do not have that excess, you will be deferred to another day. No one wants to take blood from you only to have to give it back if God forbid something happens after you donate. I’ve donated plenty of times myself, and I always feel fine afterward.
Bola: Hmm are you sure. Someone told me that is why people always drink malt and milk after. And I’m even lactose intolerant like this.
Ebuka: There’s actually no scientific evidence to support the claim that milk and malt increase blood volume or boost hemoglobin levels. Malt is simply a source of carbohydrates. It provides energy but doesn’t support blood regeneration. Milk offers protein, calcium, and some nutrients, but it doesn’t directly replenish blood. They just give it to donors because it’s easy to provide, culturally familiar, and help donors feel cared for. All you need to do is snack a little, drink some water, and you’ll be back to normal in minutes. Afterwards you can eat iron-rich and vitamin-rich foods, like vegetables and fruits. But that is still a choice because your body naturally replenishes itself.
Bola: So you’re saying my blood cannot finish?
Ebuka: Not at all. As I said, your body constantly makes new blood. They just make sure you wait long enough between donations, usually 3–4 months.
Bola: Even a slim person like me? You know say lekpa people no de get blood like that.
Ebuka: Am I fat? Slim people donate all the time. What matters is your weight and overall health.
Bola: What if I’m on my period, losing a lot of blood already. That disqualifies me right?
Ebuka: That’s a common question. You can still donate as long as you feel well. Some women prefer to wait until their flow is lighter, but it’s not a strict restriction.
Bola: And if I don’t feel well? Let’s say I have headaches, or I’m stressed. Can I still donate?
Ebuka: Nope. It’s better to rest and come another time. It may be a symptom that something may be wrong with you. Your safety first. Plus, God forbid, if it’s because of an infectious disease… God forbid o… we would not want to transfuse infected blood to a patient. Although the blood will still be screened sha, which is still an issue. Because if they screen the blood and find out that you have an infection, the blood will be discarded, so that’s a waste of your time, waste of resources, waste of your blood and waste of your good intentions.
Bola: [laughing] Kopoke, Agba LAWMA.
Ebuka: You’re not serious. Abeg make I de go sef. Your doubts are cleared, bah?
Bola: [grinning] Wait wait wait, I have a few more questions. What about that big needle? It always scares me and I heard that it is very painful.
Ebuka: That’s what most hesitant potential donors say. But the truth is the pain is no more than a quick pinch. Honestly, once the needle is inserted that’s all there is to it. And the needle is slightly bigger in size so blood can flow more easily and quicker.
Bola: Hmmmmmmmmmm. Ebuka you’re sure I won’t faint?
Ebuka: [gives a questioning lool]
Bola: Ebuka you’re sure I won’t faint?
Ebuka: Well, I’ve donated 15 times now and I’ve never fainted. People rarely faint. It only happens when donors do not follow instructions properly. For example, if you get up too quickly after donation or you are overly anxious or fearful about the needle.
Bola: Hmm…alright then. You’ve cleared a lot of my doubts. I’m nervous, but I think I’m ready to donate.
Ebuka: Awesome!
Bola: Last one. If I donate once, I hope they won’t start calling me every other month like a clingy ex?
Ebuka: [laughs] You’re always in control. They might remind you when you’re eligible again, but it’s completely your choice.
Bola: Hmm. Oya I’m ready, but shey you’ll follow me there?
Ebuka: No wahala, I’m here for you. And I’m proud of you for taking this step. You will be helping people in more ways than you can imagine.
Bola: Alright… let’s do this!
[Scene ends with Bola smiling, feeling both nervous and empowered, ready to donate blood for the first time.]
