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Author: KTTA KENYA TISSUE AND TRANSPLANT AUTHORITY

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Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority marks Valentine’s Day with a Blood Donation Drive

Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority marks Valentine’s Day with a blood donation drive

Tuesday, February 14, 2023: To mark this year’s Valentine’s Day, the Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority organized a national blood donation drive. The formal launch was held at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja, Kiambu County. The Valentine Blood Donation Drive campaign started on Saturday, February 11, 2023 and runs throughout the country until Sunday, February 19, 2023.

Through the blood donation drive, being conducted under the theme “Show your Love, Save a Life,” the Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority (KTTA) targets to collect 25,000 units of blood which will be processed and stored for future use by patients in various health centers in the country.

Speaking while launching the #ShowYourLoveSaveaLife blood donation campaign at JKUAT, Dr. Maina Mbuthia, while representing the  CECM for Health, Kiambu County, said that KTTA, being the successor to the Department of the National Blood Transfusion, Tissue, and Human Organ Transplant Services, is required to ensure the safety, biosafety, and wellbeing of donors and recipients in medical services relating to human-derived medical products through the establishment and maintenance of systems that comply with safety and legal requirements.”

Dr. Mbuthia added: “The authority will be tasked with regulating all services relating to human cells, tissue, and organ transplant in accordance with the Health Act, 2017, register and license facilities and establishments dealing with human cells, tissues, and organs and transplant services, maintain a registry of transplant service providers, donors, and recipients as well as establish an equitable mechanism for matching and allocation of cells, tissue, and organs.”

In addition to mobilizing the public to come forward and donate blood, the week-long campaign is also aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of donating blood. The blood donation drive targets young adults aged between 18 to 35 years, one of the reasons which informed the decision to pick Kenyatta University as the launch venue because of the student population at the institution.

In her remarks, Dr Rebecca Kiptui, the Ag. CEO at the KTTA, said that KTTA is tasked to oversee, supervise and coordinate the collection and distribution of safe blood and blood products in Kenya, as well as the development of policies, regulations, and guidelines for the availability of safe and equitable tissue, organs, and regenerative medicine therapies.

Dr Kiptui added:  KTTA ensures that the country is self-sufficient in safe and quality blood, tissues, and human organs. The Authority’s mission is to ensure that we have safe and quality blood transfusion, tissue, and human organ transplant services through oversight, regulation, and support.

The Drive was organized with partners including Jomo Kenya University of Agriculture and Technology in an effort to increase public awareness and participation in the National Blood donation campaigns during the valentines season.

After the launch in Kiambu at JKUAT, other blood donation activities are scheduled for Embu College in Embu County, Standard Chartered Car Park in Nakuru Town in Nakuru County,

 

Eldoret Regional Blood Transfusion Centre (RBTC) in Uasin Gishu County, and Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground in Kisumu Town, Kisumu County.

The crucial role of blood in the country’s healthcare services system can’t be understated. All surgeries in the country require blood availability, without which waiting times for surgeries increase and the health outcomes of Kenyans are compromised.

Worth noting is that blood unavailability leads to increased mortalities. Statistics indicate that 35% (2,700) of 6,500 maternal deaths in 2020 were attributed to bleeding complications while 30% of deaths arising from road traffic accidents (6,938) were a result of bleeding complications in 2020.

Again, chronically ill patients suffering from cancer, kidney, and other organ failures require regular transfusions during chemotherapy, dialysis, or surgery. Access to blood reduces hospitalization periods. With the country’s increased prevalence of chronic diseases, there has been an increased need for blood.

Last year Kenya collected 348,715 pints of blood, 70% of the targeted total of 500,000 pints and the highest collection since independence. This is a 200% increase from the year 2020. KTTA and its other partner organizations aim to collect 1 million pints, the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) target this year.

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About Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority (KTTA):

Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority, the successor to the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service, is a parastatal established in August 2022 under the Ministry of Health. It has the mandate to oversee, supervise and coordinate the collection and distribution of safe blood and blood products in Kenya. It also develops relevant policies, regulations, and guidelines for the availability of safe and equitable tissue, organs, and regenerative medicine therapies. The vision of KTTA is to make Kenya self-sufficient in safe and quality blood, tissues, and human organs.

Press Release: Kenya Marks World Blood Donor Day with Calls For More Donors

Kenya Marks World Blood Donor Day with Calls For More Donors

Nairobi, June 14, 2023: The Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority (KTTA) joined its partners and Kenyans in general to celebrate this year’s World Blood Donor Day (WBDD). The day, marked annually on June 14th, is promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The event, which was this year hosted at Ihura Stadium in Murang’a County, serves to acknowledge voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood, raise awareness about the need for regular voluntary blood donations, and finally, remind people around the world who are alive thanks to blood donation about the key role selfless blood donors have played in their wellbeing.

The theme for the WBDD for 2023 is “Give Blood, give plasma, share life, share often”. During the celebration, the guests also witnessed the launch of Murang’a County Blood Satellite and the commissioning of an Oxygen Plant to adequately serve the county’s ICU patients.

Speaking at the World Blood Donor Day celebrations, Ms. Nakhumicha Susan, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health, said the day is marked to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood, adding that the event also aims to raise awareness about the need for regular blood donations to ensure that all individuals and communities have access to affordable and timely supplies of safe and quality-assured blood and blood products.

“We have come together to honor and celebrate our heroes – the individuals and Institutions who have selflessly donated their blood to save lives. These heroes embody the true spirit of humanity, demonstrating compassion, generosity, and a commitment to the well-being of others,” said Ms. Nakhumicha.

“Among these heroes, I would like to single out two exceptional individuals whose contributions to blood donation have been truly remarkable. First, let us recognize Kennedy Sanya, Kenya’s highest male blood donor. Kennedy has selflessly donated blood a remarkable 102 times.”

Ms. Nakhumicha also took the opportunity to bid farewell to Aisha Dafalla, who is retiring from her Whole Blood donation after an incredible 76 donations. Aisha will now commit to sharing Plasma and Platelets.

The CS also acknowledged and thanked the country’s partners in its blood donation journey, singling out the diplomatic missions of Hungary, as well as the World Bank through its C-HERP program; the Kenya Red Cross, the Rotary Club and the St. John’s Ambulance teams which have played a significant role in ensuring the availability and safety of blood and blood products.

In his address, Dr. Wakwabubi M. N., the acting CEO, of KTTA, said that this year’s WBDD theme of “Give Blood, give plasma, share life, share often” is fitting as KTTA and its partners are launching the Murang’a County Blood Satellite which is a significant step towards bringing services closer to the people so that they can give blood, give plasma, share life, and share often.

“The availability and accessibility of safe blood and blood products are crucial. Blood transfusions are essential for various medical procedures, such as surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatment, childbirth, and managing certain diseases,” noted Dr. Wakwabubi.

“Blood is an essential service in hospitals, and plays a pivotal role in ensuring quality healthcare and saving lives. With the dedication of our voluntary blood donors, cancellations in operating theaters due to blood shortages have become increasingly rare. We have also witnessed a remarkable reduction in maternal deaths. When blood is readily available, hospitals function optimally, enabling the delivery of a wide range of healthcare services and contributing to the realization of UHC’s vision.”

In order to ensure the availability of sufficient blood for the country’s healthcare facilities, the government has increased its budgetary allocations to the KTTA. However, despite the increase in funding for KTTA operations, the demand for blood has also significantly risen, with blood collection growing from 130,000 units to 400,000 units, meaning that the available funding is still insufficient to adequately finance the authority’s operations.

Expressing a more positive stance, CS Nakhumicha said: “Looking ahead, in the upcoming fiscal year, it is expected that Kenya will achieve the World Health
Organization’s target of 1% of the population voluntarily donating blood. The government recognizes the importance of this achievement and is actively facilitating the necessary measures to make it a reality.”

During the event, various categories of individuals and institutions were recognized for the Gift of Life award ceremony. They were recognized for making a difference through regular blood donations, creating awareness campaigns, and mobilizing their communities to contribute regularly. Ends…//

 

About Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority (KTTA):

Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority, the successor to the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service, is a parastatal established in August 2022 under the Ministry of Health. It has the mandate to oversee, supervise and coordinate the collection and distribution of safe blood and blood products in Kenya. It also develops relevant policies, regulations, and guidelines for the availability of safe and equitable tissue, organs, and regenerative medicine therapies. The vision of KTTA is to make Kenya self-sufficient in safe and quality blood, tissues, and human organs.

 

Press Release: KTTA & KNH mark World Transplant Day

KTTA & KNH mark World Transplant Day

Nairobi, June 6, 2023: World Transplant Day (WTD) celebration takes place on 6th June every year. The day is promoted by the World Health Organization and the National Transplant Organization serves as a reminder that there are thousands of people around the world who are alive thanks to organ transplants.

This day was commemorated by the Ministry of Health through Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority and Kenyatta National Hospital together with families of recipients and donors.  Activities included panel discussions, speeches, and testimonials of success stories from both donors and recipients.

KTTA works in partnership with organizations such as development Partners, Private practitioners, and facilities, Medicals Associations of experts within the Transplant Space e.g.   Kenya Renal, Hematology, Oncology, and Public Hospitals facilities such as KNH & MOI Teaching & Referral Hospital, all formed part of efforts to ensure that the country has adequate and is self-sufficient in safe and quality blood, a major requirement during medical emergency situations.

World Transplant Day (WTD) is marked every year to celebrate those who were given a second opportunity at life through the organ donation of a selfless individual. The day serves as a reminder that there are thousands of people around the world who are alive thanks to organ transplantation.

Representing the State Department of Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, the Principal Secretary, Dr. Zeinab Gura, Ag. Deputy Director General of Health was speaking during the Celebration at the Kenyatta National Hospital Grounds to mark World Transplant Day, and took the opportunity to acknowledge the theme Hope for Tomorrow; Transforming lives through organ donation.

Said Dr. Gura, “The government acknowledges the utmost significance of organ donation and transplantation in preserving and enhancing lives. The year 2022 marked a significant milestone as the government initiated the establishment of the Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority and the Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) typing laboratory at Kenyatta National Hospital. The establishment of the HLA laboratory has ensured the accessibility and affordability of this service for transplant patients in need. This shows proof of commitment by the government to transplant services.”

Ministry of Health and Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority are on course to develop a comprehensive framework of policies and guidelines to ensure quality and ethical practices whilst safeguarding the rights and well-being of both donors and recipients as well as families and communities. Our commitment remains resolute to creating an environment that enforces good governance and supports effective and efficient regulation of organ donation and transplant in the country.

From a population of 52,214,791 people, studies indicate that approximately 5 million Kenyans have some form of chronic kidney disease with a significant proportion expected to progress to kidney failure. Specifically, the estimated number of patients with End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) who require renal replacement therapy (kidney transplants) is 12,500.

By October 2022, 6,300 patients (or about 50% of estimated Kenyans with kidney disease) were undergoing chronic hemodialysis treatments.

Even though a majority of kidney patients opt for dialysis treatment due to various factors, the number of transplants in the country is still quite low. From 2012 to 2022, only 708 kidney transplants were done in Kenya. In 2021, only 160 kidney transplants versus 5,700 patients who were on hemodialysis gave a transplant conversion rate of 2.8% against a rate of approximately 10% that has been observed globally.

Kidney transplant is always preferred for patients who are eligible for such procedures as it overall improves patients’ quality of life, and productivity and can increase life expectancy by up to 20 years.

Apart from kidney cases, an estimated 75,000 people need corneal transplants with over 1,000 documented patients on the waiting lists across the various eye hospitals in the country awaiting corneal transplantation. In 2021, about 400 corneal transplant surgeries were successfully conducted in Kenya.

Just like with kidney transplants, the facilities conducting corneal transplants are unable to meet the patient’s demand due to the limited number of tissues procured. KTTA is determined to inculcate a donation culture among the people to enable them to attain a perpetual annual collection of blood and including organ donations.

KTTA conducts Blood donation drives and campaigns regularly throughout the year. In February this year, the agency together with partners organized and hosted the #ShowYourLoveSaveaLife blood donation campaign at JKUAT to coincide with the Valentine’s Day celebrations on February 14, 2023.

The #ShowYourLoveSaveaLife blood donation campaign was a week-long exercise aimed to mobilize the public to come forward and donate blood, and also to increase public awareness of the importance of donating blood. The blood donation drives targeted young adults aged between 18 to 35 years

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About Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority (KTTA):

Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority, the successor to the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service, is a parastatal established in August 2022 under the Ministry of Health. It has the mandate to oversee, supervise and coordinate the collection and distribution of safe blood and blood products in Kenya. It also develops relevant policies, regulations, and guidelines for the availability of safe and equitable tissue, organs, and regenerative medicine therapies. The vision of KTTA is to make Kenya self-sufficient in safe and quality blood, tissues, and human organs.

SPEECH BY DR JOSEPHINE GITHAIGA , FORMER DIRECTOR OF THEN CALLED KENYA NATIONAL BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE DURING THE GLOBAL YOUTH DAY BLOOD DONATION DRIVE AT KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL GROUNDS , NAIROBI ON SATURDAY 16TH MARCH 2019.

kenya coat of arms

Speech by Dr. Josephine Githaiga, Former Director of then called Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service. During the Global Youth Day Blood Donation drive at Kenyatta National Hospital Grounds, Nairobi on Saturday 16th March 2019.

The Chief Justice and the President of the Supreme Court of Kenya –

Justice David Maraga,

The Chief Executive Officer – Kenyatta National Hospital- Dr. Thomas Mutie

The Seventh Day Adventist Pastor – Kennedy Ochana,

The Clergy,

The Young People Present,

Distinguished blood donors,

Invited guests,

The Media

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am happy to join the Seventh Day Adventist youth today as we join hands in donating blood with the sole aim of saving a life of someone who is suffering and helpless in a hospital ward. I appreciate the presence of the Chief Justice and the President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Justice David Maraga, thank you very much Sir for finding time out of your busy schedule to join the young people and to support blood donation activity today.

 

 

 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS) was established in the year 2000 under the Ministry of Health. Its mandate is to collect, test, process and distribute blood and blood products to all transfusing hospitals in Kenya. KNBTS has six Regional Blood Transfusion Centres namely Nairobi, Embu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu and Mombasa and 21 satellite stations.

 

The satellite stations are located in Thika, Meru, Nyeri, Garrisa, Kitale, Lodwar, Bungoma,Busia,Migori,Kisii,Kericho,Narok,Nandi,Machakos,Voi,Malindi,Lamu,Kitui, Wajir,Naivasha and  Kwale.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We at the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service have for the last 18 years endeavored to deliver quality and safe blood service to the people of Kenya and we are committed to even doing better in the coming days. This however could not have happened without the much valued cooperation and partnership of the various stakeholders and partners like you.

 

Timely availability of blood is an important component in the efforts to save patients from unnecessary deaths. Blood transfusion saves lives and improves health, but many patients requiring transfusion do not have timely access to safe blood. The need for blood transfusion may arise at any time in both urban and rural areas. The unavailability of blood has led to deaths and many patients suffering from ill-health.

 

 

 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today we celebrating the partnership with the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the Kenyatta National Hospital and the  Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service where the three entities have made a resolve to counter human suffering through rolling up our sleeves and donating blood. This is an altruistic act since blood is the only gift one can give without expecting something back.

 

These kind of interventions are driven by  the growing need for blood in hospitals and other health care facilities and the need to ensure that Kenyan are secure in the event of suffering illnesses that may require blood transfusion.

 

An adequate and reliable supply of safe blood can be assured by a stable base of regular, voluntary, unpaid blood donors. These donors are also the safest group of donors as the prevalence of blood borne infections is lowest among them.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In Kenya, 2 of every 3 units of blood are transfused to mothers and children. It is however depressing to note that Kenya has a relatively high maternal mortality ratio compared to the western world at 362 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. The leading cause of maternal mortality is bleeding just before or after childbirth or due to a miscarriage, induced abortions and other pregnancy related complications such as tubal pregnancy.

 

Indeed, there are many other reasons for transfusing blood. Kenya needs about 450,000 units of blood annually, last year the Kenya National Blood Transfusion service collected a total of 164,275 units of blood, representing 91.3% of the annual target of 180,000 units. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for Kenya to claim blood sufficiency we need at least 1% of the 45 million Kenyans to donate blood once in a year, this would give us 450,000 units of blood.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sufficient and safe blood supply is key to a strong health system of any country. Kenya is endowed with many healthy people who can donate blood. It is therefore unacceptable to continue watching children and mothers die due to lack of blood. It is incumbent upon us as Kenyans to be patriotic and develop a culture of regular blood donation. The act of donating blood is therefore supposed to be a process in life rather than an event.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In our efforts to improve the blood sub – sector in the country, the  Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service has adopted various strategies including targeting the adult blood donors to avoid  situations of perennial blood shortage during school holidays occasioned by the continued overreliance on Secondary Schools. We are also encouraging walk-in blood donors to our facilities across the country as a measure of reducing the cost of collecting blood.

 

 

 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is important to note that currently the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service is grappling with the imbalance between first time donors and repeat donors. Last year 77% of those people who donated blood were first time donors while only 23% returned for a repeat donation. Repeat blood donors form the greatest asset of the blood sub-sector and this is the only sure way of sustaining efforts as this group of donors is safe and committed. Since repeat donors voluntarily walk in to our clinics, if enhanced this would significantly reduce our cost of doing business.

 

The Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service is promoting repeat blood donation culture through formation of blood donor clubs in schools and out of school, including Pledge25 Kenya where members commit to donate blood at least 25 times in their lifetime. In this regard I urge all young people in this gathering to take the cue and either form such clubs or join the existing ones.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am happy to note that the activity we are participating in today has been championed by the young people from the Seventh Day Adventist Church, this group of people are our major target as if one start donating blood when they are young they can engrain that habit until they are of old age thus being of great help to our society.

 

Finally, Ladies and Gentlemen, let me once again thank you most sincerely for coming and partnering with us during this important event.

 

Thankyou.

REMARKS BY DR JOSEPHINE GITHAIGA , DIRECTOR KENYA NATIONAL BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE DURING THE LAUNCH OF BLEED FOR THE THRONE  BLOOD DONATION DRIVE AT THE KENYA NATIONAL ARCHIVES GROUNDS , NAIROBI ON 14TH MARCH 2019.

Kenya Redcross Society Secretary General- Abass Gullet

Multi-Choice Director – Simon Kariithi

Distinguished blood donors,

Invited guests,  

The Media

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to be part of this event that seeks to mobilize blood donors to donate blood during the Bleed for the Throne blood donation drive.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS) was established in the year 2000 under the Ministry of Health. Its mandate is to collect, test, process and distribute blood and blood products to all transfusing hospitals in Kenya. KNBTS has six Regional Blood Transfusion Centres namely Nairobi, Embu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu and Mombasa and 21 satellite stations.

 

The satellite stations are located in Thika, Meru, Nyeri, Garrisa, Kitale, Lodwar, Bungoma,Busia,Migori,Kisii,Kericho,Narok,Nandi,Machakos,Voi,Malindi,Lamu,Kitui, Wajir,Naivasha and  Kwale.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today is yet another day when we are celebrating solid partnership with the Kenya Red Cross Society and Multi-Choice in our endeavor to alleviate human suffering through blood donation.  Blood collection is what we do on 24/ 7 basis and we are happy to have new partners like Multi-Choice who I believe are coming in to support a blood donation activity for the first time.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In Kenya 2 of every 3 units of blood are transfused to mothers and children. It is however depressing to note that Kenya has one of the highest maternal mortality rates worldwide at 362 maternal deaths per 100,000 births that translates to about 20 women dying every day from childbirth-related complications. The leading cause of maternal mortality is bleeding just before or after childbirth or due to a miscarriage, induced abortions and other pregnancy-related complications such as tubal pregnancy.

 

It is important to note that about 60% of the blood collected by the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service is transfused to mothers and children. Every 10 minutes about 7 Kenyans need blood and are at risk of dying if it is not available.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen ,

Kenya needs about 450,000 units of blood annually, last year the Kenya National Blood Transfusion service collected a total of 164,275 units of blood, representing 91.3% of the annual target of 180,000 units. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for Kenya to claim blood sufficiency we need at least 1% of the 45 million Kenyans to donate blood once in a year, this would give us 450,000 units of blood.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Kenya national blood transfusion service is working with various stakeholders and development partners to address blood shortage and to seek more innovative strategies for sustainable supply for safe and adequate blood for transfusion.  I am happy to note that the Kenya Red Cross have been supportive especially during the two recent events including Dusit2 terror attack in Nairobi and the show your love blood donation campaign last month.

 

Currently we are serving 500 transfusing hospitals nationally with blood and blood products. These facilities are public, private and faith based. We have also stepped up our haemovigilance capacity to guarantee safety from our end and to the facility.

 

I am reliably informed that this blood donation drive is targeting to collect at total of 1,000 units of blood in the two days, lets us all join hands by mobilizing donors and also by rolling up our sleeves to donate for the greater common good for our people.

 

Finally Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to appreciate blood donors, development partners and stakeholders who have over the years stood with us in our effort of improving access to health care for Kenyans. We once again appreciate the Kenya Red Cross and Multi-choice for their kind gesture today.

 

Thankyou.

A tale of a blood recipient

Mombasa, 22nd February 2019,

A tale of a blood recipient

At first glance, Rose Atieno Auma could pass as your ordinary middle class girl in Mombasa city.

The untold story is that her life depends on blood transfusion. “In the month of February 2019, I was transfused 10 units of blood following a serious health crisis; I was hospitalized for 2 weeks, five days, until I came back to life”.

The 45 year old lady says she was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia when she was 5 years of age. Her parents struggled with her. Her basic education was very disruptive and it was only by chance that she was able to complete her primary school education. “I did not go beyond go beyond class 8. Besides I did not perform well because most of the time I was out of school due to my condition”, Rose quips.

Rose Atieno Auma, a blood recipient, during an interview with this writer in Mombasa.

She says her condition makes her feel tired; “walking just a few meters at times is like climbing a mountain”.

For a long time she was treated for anemia, which was a serious misdiagnosis. The sickle cell disease was discovered much later.

She started complaining of joint pains and painful ribs. “At that point I was being transfused 2-3 units of blood regularly, amazingly once I got transfused I would immediately come back to life” she further explains to the writer.

She says when her hemoglobin is low her skin color turns into pale, her eyes also turn yellow, her appetite hits rock-bottom. “I behave like a pregnant woman with constant temper flare ups and mood swings”.

She says the unfortunate thing is that quite a few people in the coastal region understand what sickle cell disease is.

“I get sickle cell crisis every 2 to 3 months, normally it happens when my hemoglobin level gets to 4. This has made me completely rely on blood transfusion; I am transfused every 2 months”, she noted.

She says this condition is very expensive to treat saying the government should consider providing subsidies to sickle cell patients through the National Health Insurance.

“The last time I was admitted at MEWA community hospital in Majengo Mombasa, I paid a bill of Ksh. 300,000”, Rose says.

Before she knew about the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service she used to look for blood donors to donate for her. “Getting a blood donor is like hell because people do not like to be tested”, says the single lady.

She  later started mobilizing blood donors from her neighborhood, including friends and other volunteers, to donate blood for her.

“The day I learnt of the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service was a game changer for me. The organization has been so good, they have been so helpful”. She says she can now get her A+ blood type on a regular basis.

She has since gained membership of various support groups namely Sickle Cell Warriors, Even Flo Africa, West Kenya SCD and Mombasa Sickle Cell Warriors.

Rose says her condition has kept men away from her. “My one time boyfriend bolted due to health expenses” she says. “Most of the sickle cell warriors are single and at times communities shun them”

“If you get one man to live with you, he must be an angel”, quips the lady who works as a boutique attendant in Mombasa city.

Rose says her message to blood donors is that everyone should donate blood because people are suffering. “Do not wait until you are threatened by circumstances or when your relative needs blood to donate; do it now to save a life.” she says.

 

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