Organisation worried by low blood donation

By RAWLINGS OTIENO

Kenya National Blood Transfusion Services (KNBTS) has said the health-care system has only half of the blood it needs for transfusions.

The organisation painted a grim picture of supply of the precious commodity especially during school holidays.

KNBTS Nairobi Branch Director John Mungai said the country’s blood requirement is estimated at about 300,000 pints (450ml) per person to deal with emergencies.

He added that the little that is available is only for accident emergencies.

Dr Mungai blamed the low blood supply on fears among potential donors that they would find out their HIV status.

He said blood used in hospitals and other health facilities comes mainly from school children, patients and their relatives.

"The emergencies are there, but the life-saving blood may not be enough. Less than 10 per cent of adults donate blood," said Mungai.

The director made the remarks during the handing over ceremony of a tent donated by Zetech College to Hope-Kenya International in Nairobi, Sunday.

KNBTS estimates that the country needs 200,000 units of blood per year to deal with illnesses, surgeries, accidents and other medical conditions.

Emergencies

But from the time the organisation was established in 2001, the supply has sometimes been as low as 40,000 units. The most blood Kenya has ever had on hand is 130,000 units, a little more than half the target amount.

He said blood shortage has a significant impact on medical procedures in hospitals and most of it is diverted to emergencies.

Speaking at the same function, Zetech College Chairman Ken Mbiuki said blood donation was an important service that Kenyans should participate in to save lives.

He noted that many people lose their lives because of lack of blood in many hospitals and urged young adults to visit blood donation centres.

"The best gift you can give your neighbour is to save life. Help save lives," Mr Mbiuki said.

He urged health-care professionals and Kenyans to get tested for HIV/Aids in Volunteer Counselling and Testing Centres.

"We are encouraging people who have gone to the VCTs and have known their status — because that fear has been removed — to come forward now and donate blood," he added.

Health care professionals are pushing for a structured donor system that involves regular education campaigns, blood drives, and mobile donor clinics to reach workers and people in rural areas.