She made the call on Thursday in Ilorin during the 279th UNILORIN Inaugural Lecture with the theme “Heroes without Capes: The Life-saving Power of Blood Sacrifice.”
Olawumi, who said that enlightenment and advocacy would allay the fears of prospective blood donors, urged health authorities to facilitate the organisation of blood donation programmes, backed by appropriate legislation to increase voluntary donation.
She said adequate funds should be provided for more intensive advocacy for voluntary blood donation.