Garissa youth leader Nasteh Buraze has appealed to residents across Northern Kenya to embrace voluntary blood donation, describing it as a lifesaving act that remains critical despite major improvements in the region’s blood transfusion services.
Buraze made the appeal after visiting the Northern Regional Blood Transfusion Centre in Garissa, where he met the Regional Coordinator, Ebla Ali, and her team. He praised the centre’s staff for their dedication in ensuring a reliable blood supply for hospitals across the region.
Reflecting on the progress made over the years, Buraze said Northern Kenya had moved from an era when blood samples had to be transported to Nairobi for screening, causing dangerous delays that often cost lives.
“Today, testing is done in Garissa and even at sub-county hospitals, significantly reducing referrals and improving emergency response,” he said.
He also welcomed the availability of blood products such as platelets, which were previously unavailable in the region, saying the establishment of the regional centre had transformed healthcare services for patients requiring blood transfusions.
Despite the progress, Buraze expressed concern over the low number of voluntary blood donors, noting that blood cannot be manufactured and depends entirely on individuals willing to donate.
“The unit you donate today could save a child, a mother, a neighbour or someone close to you tomorrow,” he said, adding that patients with conditions requiring regular transfusions rely on a constant supply of donated blood.
Buraze urged residents not to wait until a family member faces a medical emergency before appreciating the importance of blood donation.
“The true value of this act is often only understood when someone close to us urgently needs blood. Let us make voluntary blood donation a culture of solidarity across our region,” he said.
He called on all eligible residents aged between 18 and 65 years to donate regularly, noting that one pint of blood can save up to three lives. He encouraged men to donate up to four times a year and women up to three times annually, in line with medical guidelines.
Buraze also announced that a blood donation tent would be available during the Devolution Sensitization Forum at Young Muslim, urging participants to take a few minutes to donate. He encouraged those unable to attend the event to visit the Northern Regional Blood Transfusion Centre in Garissa and register as regular voluntary donors.
“Donate blood. Save lives. Be someone’s hope today. Every drop counts, and every donation has the power to give another person a second chance at life,” he said.
