The President continued, addressing Safe Blood For Africa representatives, "Today's event marks a turning point in our quest to establish a National Blood Transfusion Service ... My presence here this morning and my participation in the blood donation exercise is evidence of how seriously I take this exercise."

Jeff Busch, founder and Chairman of Safe Blood For Africa Foundation, expressed his gratitude to President Obasanjo for his commitment and leadership. "Our goal is simple -- to prevent HIV/AIDS infections and save lives. With the help of President Obasanjo and the Nigerian Ministry of Health, today our campaign to organize national blood centers throughout sub- Saharan Africa takes a very important first step. The National Blood Transfusion Service Center in Abuja and others that will join as part of the network will save millions of lives. We are also deeply grateful for the support of USAID and ExxonMobil in this campaign that is so important to the health and well-being of men, women and children throughout the region."

U.S. Ambassador John F. Campbell said, "We celebrate the work of the Safe Blood For Africa Foundation which, in close collaboration with the Nigerian Ministry of Health, is building a strong national blood transfusion service." Mr. John P. Chaplin, Managing Director, Mobil Producing Nigeria, said, "We are pleased to support this vital effort to protect and safeguard the lives of people in communities throughout Nigeria. The results of these efforts are immediate and measurable, saving lives and helping ensure a safer blood supply for all of us who live and work here. ExxonMobil is proud to be associated with the Nigerian Ministry of Health, Safe Blood For Africa and USAID in this most important endeavor."

Under the guidance of the Nigerian Ministry of Health, the Center's goals include reducing the risk of spreading HIV/AIDS through blood transfusions by changing how blood is donated, revamping blood bank and hospital transfusion software and increasing the supply of "safe blood" throughout Nigeria by eliminating contaminated blood through improved testing, training and quality control. Safe Blood For Africa Foundation has recruited and trained a network of blood testing scientists, blood collection experts and donor recruitment specialists to support the safe collection, testing and distribution of blood and blood products. Working side-by-side with the Ministry of Health, Safe Blood For Africa Foundation has provided technical assistance in formulating a plan to deal with the epidemic and has joined with Nigerian medical professionals to implement the plan through completion.