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Category: SPEECHES

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.

REMARKS BY SICILY KARIUKI EGH, CABINET SECRETARY FOR HEALTH DURING THE LAUNCH OF TERUMO BCT, FIRST REGIONAL OFFICE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA IN NAIROBI ON 7TH FEBRUARY 2019.

Hiroshi Nagumo, Senior Vice President, Blood Center Solutions, Terumo BCT,

Josephine Githaiga – Head, Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service,

The highest Blood donors – Kennedy Apha Sanya and Aisha Dafalla,

Senior Government Officials present,

Invited guests,

The Media

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to preside over the launch of Terumo BCT, first regional office in sub-Saharan Africa in Nairobi tonight. Let me take this opportunity to welcome the company in Kenya in the spirit of African hospitality.

 

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, An adequate and reliable supply of safe blood can be assured through 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.

 

In Kenya, 2 of every 3 units of blood are transfused to mothers and children. It is however very unfortunate to know 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. About 60% of blood is used to transfuse children and women in Kenya.

 

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. Every 10 minutes about 7 Kenyans need blood and are at risk of dying if it is not available. 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, To mitigate the scenario of perennial blood shortage the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service  have adopted various strategies including targeting the adult blood donors and upscaling effective donor education and communication. We are also encouraging walk-in blood donors to our facilities across the country as a measure of reducing the cost of collecting blood.

 

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.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am excited about Terumo BCT setting a base in Nairobi, clearly they had a variety of countries where this could be done but they chose Kenya, indeed it is a privileged.  I am reliably informed that this will also be a training centre for various professionals in the blood sector in the region; I trust that our people and indeed our country will leap the highest benefit.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, The health care delivery system in Kenya today is geared towards adopting technology based solutions to surmount the challenges that we face on a day today basis and therefore we need to venture more into therapeutic epheresis which is a major strength of Terumo BCT. This will make blood components available to patients on time and at an affordable rate.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, as we roll out the Universal Health Coverage, adequate and safe blood for transfusion will be a key component of its success since availability of blood reduces hospital stay for patients thus reducing the cost of health care to patients and their relatives.

 

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.

 

It is now my present duty to declare the Terumo BCT, first regional office in sub-Saharan Africa, Nairobi officially opened.

 

Thankyou.

 

 

TABITHA’S SUCCESS STORY OF BLOOD TRANSFUSION.

Your Excellency, the first lady, MARGARET KENYATTA, the cabinet secretary ministry of health,
distinguished guests and all protocol observed, before you is Tabitha Muthoni.
I am 27years old. During my first pregnancy, I faced challenges and complications and I was transfused 12
units of blood before delivery. Having blood group O Negative was a challenge bearing in mind it’s a rare
blood group type. I was admitted at Kijabe Hospital. I thank the donors who donated blood and through the
help of National Blood Transfusion Services, I was able to get blood and had a successful delivery to a
baby boy prematurely at 7months.
The same case applied to my second born where this time it was more challenging because I could not carry
the unborn baby for 9months due to low Hemoglobin level. I was admitted at Kijabe Hospital and had to
go for an emergency caesarean section where the boy was delivered at 5months weighing 800gms. For this
time was transfused 25units of blood as my son was also transfused. I thank the almighty for having saved
our lives.
I take this opportunity that God has given me to thank all blood donors and let them know that by donating
blood you save a lot of lives. My special appeal is to all those who have blood group O Negative and are
medically fit to come out and donate blood to save a mother and to save a life.
I thank the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Services through the director Dr. MARGARET ODUOR for
their tireless efforts knowing that this facility have donated more than 100units of blood to me. They serve
all equally and friendly to a point that they travel many miles to get blood for the needy to save lives. Their
staffs under the Director of Nakuru Regional Blood Transfusion Center Mr. NICK KIPTANUI are kind
and aggressive as they carry out their duties to help save lives.
I appeal to the government and all relevant authority to put more effort and resources and add more facilities
to all donation centers so as to make their work easier in saving lives. Without blood there would be no life.
I appeal to the government and all relevant authority to put more effort and resources and add more facilities
to all blood donation centers so as to make their work easier in saving lives. Without blood there would be
no life.
Lastly I thank my mother for being so supportive for the many years I have been anaemic. I also thank My
husband for being there for me at all times.
My two sons, you are my strength. God bless Kenya and all donors.
As for today my Hemoglobin level stands at 7.0gms. Still we need you donors.
Your excellency the first lady MARGARET KENYATTA I take this chance on behalf of all mothers to
thank you for your tireless efforts to see that we live and get appreciated in the society as a mother who has
gone through disease challenges and the challenges ended with many transfusions.

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