Focus more on young people to end perennial shortage of blood

A section of boda boda riders participating in blood donation drive at Kisumu transfusion center on April 19, 2021. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

During World Blood Donor Day, the world comes together to celebrate blood donors and create greater awareness on the need for safe sustainable blood and blood products for transfusion and on the critical contribution voluntary blood donors make to national health systems.

The World Blood Donor Day will be marked today under the theme, ‘Give blood and keep the world beating’ with a special focus on the youth and their role in ensuring sustainable blood supply globally and especially in developing countries in Africa. Safe blood products and their transfusion are a critical aspect of care and public health.