By Sharon Onyango
Siaya County, Department of Health in partnership with Lwala Community Alliance has intensified efforts to strengthen blood safety and security through strategic partnerships, improved logistics and regional collaboration aimed at ensuring every patient has timely access to safe and quality blood and blood products.
The commitment was reaffirmed during the Blood Security and Safety Stakeholders Meeting held today. The forum brought together county health leadership, representatives from the Siaya Satellite Blood Bank, Damu KE, healthcare workers, faith-based and private health facilities, and development partners to review progress made since the Blood Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting held in March this year.
The meeting reviewed the County's blood security roadmap and outlined practical measures to improve blood collection, storage, distribution and utilization across health facilities.
No patient should lose their life because blood is unavailable. Our priority is to build a predictable, sustainable and efficient blood transfusion system that guarantees timely access to safe, quality blood whenever it is needed," said Douglas Okoto, the County Medical Laboratory Coordinator and Coordinator of Blood Transfusion Services.
Siaya County aims to collect 9,936 units of blood annually, equivalent to about 828 units every month, in line with the World Health Organization recommendation that at least one percent of the population should donate blood each year.
Stakeholders observed that blood demand remains high, particularly for patients living with anemia of chronic diseases like sickle cell.
They also reported improved blood management, with facilities such as Ambira Sub-County Hospital recording no deaths linked to blood shortages within the 1st quarter.
The meeting highlighted the Blood Bank Strategic Plan, which promotes collaboration within the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) to facilitate inter-county blood sharing during shortages.
Participants also welcomed the expansion of blood component preparation at the Siaya Satellite Blood Bank, including Packed Red Blood Cells and Fresh Frozen Plasma, to improve patient care while maximizing every donated unit.
Stakeholders further committed to strengthening digital blood inventory reporting, promoting voluntary non-remunerated blood donation and enhancing coordination among the County Department of Health, Damu KE, the Siaya Satellite Blood Bank and healthcare partners to build a resilient and sustainable blood transfusion system across Siaya County.