This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
As the world marks Blood Donation Day, Kenya is facing a pressing crisis: a drastic drop in blood donations since the COVID-19 pandemic began. According to the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS), daily blood collections have plummeted by 50%.
Chief Administrative Secretary in the Health Ministry Rashid Aman has sounded the alarm, warning that the shortage has put a major strain on the country's blood bank facilities. 'Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were collecting about 500 pints of blood every day,' Aman said. 'With the onset of COVID-19, the situation has changed, and the figures have dropped.'
The KNBTS, which used to collect 500 pints of blood daily, is now reporting a mere 250 pints per day. To address the crisis, the Ministry has launched a blood donation campaign, appealing to Kenyans to come forward and donate blood.
As part of the effort, the Ministry has collaborated with Facebook and Damu Sasa Systems to mobilize blood donors for the next two days. The donation exercise will be carried out in all 33 blood centers countrywide.
The Ministry is working diligently to improve service delivery, with the Blood Transfusion Centers employing 22 new members. However, the crisis remains a pressing concern, and urgent action is needed to restock blood bank facilities.
