In conflict-affected northeast Nigeria, essential medical services have been severely disrupted for more than a decade. But in 2017, after peace was partially restored, Yusuf — who was born and raised in Borno state — returned to the area, determined to strengthen health systems and improve care in his hometown of Ngala.
His efforts have paid off: After joining FHI 360 as a laboratory technician and community health extension worker, Yusuf supported the effort to open Ngala’s first blood bank.
Now, the blood bank is transforming emergency care and improving maternal and infant health. But when Yusuf began the initiative, the community resisted it because of deeply held cultural and religious beliefs about blood donation.
“When we started blood transfusion services in 2021, the community was reluctant,” Yusuf says. “Many feared the process and saw it as a taboo. We had to engage them through regular sensitization sessions, health education and awareness campaigns.”
Through tireless outreach and culturally sensitive dialogue, Yusuf and his team gradually earned the community’s trust. Today, voluntary blood donation is not just accepted but embraced.
“It fills me with pride to see my people embrace change that improves health outcomes,” says Yusuf. “It motivates me to continue giving my best to humanitarian work, especially as we rebuild from the devastation of conflict.”
Yusuf’s journey over his years with FHI 360 has been one of personal and professional growth. He has gained valuable technical skills, including advanced microscope analysis and diagnostic procedures.
From that first blood bank, FHI 360 has expanded to operate a total of four blood banks. Two are embedded within government facilities, and two — created in collaboration with community leaders — are in settlements for people who have been displaced. They have become a vital resource, especially for women experiencing pregnancy complications and children suffering from severe anemia.
Blood bank staff in Bama meet the needs of all
One-year-old Babagana was critically ill with malaria-induced anemia when his mother, Falmata, who has hearing loss, took him to an FHI 360-supported health facility in Bama. The team connected Falmata with a sign language interpreter, who facilitated conversations between her and the blood bank staff.
This communication was essential: Falmata was able to fully understand Babagana’s situation, ask questions and share concerns, and tell her husband, who is deaf, that Babagana required a blood transfusion.
Despite the challenge of finding a compatible donor for Babagana’s rare O-negative blood type, the blood bank and its network delivered. Babagana received a lifesaving transfusion and was discharged a week later in stable condition.
“It feels good to see how the blood transfusion services are saving lives in the community,” said Lawan, assistant technical officer for laboratory services with FHI 360. “I remember the resistance we faced when we introduced blood transfusion about four years ago. But significant progress has been made now.”
In Ngala, blood transfusion and comprehensive care save lives
When a pregnant woman, also named Falmata, arrived at FHI 360’s facility, her pregnancy and her life were in danger. Falmata had not received prenatal care and was suffering from convulsions due to severe eclampsia and anemia, both of which can lead to serious maternal and child complications such as stroke, organ failure and even death.
I had given up on my daughter’s survival when I saw her convulsing at home,” says Falmata’s mother. “Many women have died of such [complications] during pregnancy.”
Thankfully, the team at the clinic was able to give Falmata a blood transfusion, stabilize her and deliver her baby. The baby required resuscitation, and the team provided lifesaving care and breathing support; within a few minutes, the baby was able to breathe independently.
Falmata received postnatal care even after she was discharged, returning to the clinic for health education and routine immunization for her baby. Her experience shows how emergency care can lead to sustainable preventative care that further boosts a person’s health outcomes.
Of Falmata’s time at the clinic, her mother says, “She was given life back.” Their family named the baby after the doctor who treated them.
All photos, excluding the final image: Taiwo Aina for FHI 360