Pregnant women at risk as blood bank faces shortages

Many pregnant women are struggling to get blood, as the Kenya Blood Transfusion Services banks run dry (Photo: Shutterstock)

On June 9, 2020, Betty Kiplagat, a first time mother at 26, had a safe delivery and was elated as she held her bundle of joy. Sadly, as she cuddled her baby at Chemolingot Hospital in Baringo, the mother began bleeding excessively and became unconscious.

She was referred to the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital maternity wing, in Nakuru located about 160 kilometres away for blood transfusion.