Kenya adopts automation to modernize blood transfusion services

KENYA—Kenya is set to implement whole blood automation technology, aiming to improve the efficiency and safety of blood transfusion services nationwide to modernise its healthcare system.

This initiative was announced by Harry Kimtai, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, during the Africa Technology Day event hosted by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies in Nairobi.

The event brought together delegates from across Africa and representatives from Terumo Corporation, Japan, highlighting the critical role of blood in strengthening health systems.

Mr. Kimtai emphasized that blood is a vital resource, essential for saving lives in critical situations such as surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatment, and managing conditions like Sickle Cell Disease.

“Blood is a life-saving resource. Without it, many medical services would come to a halt,” He noted.

 By leveraging automation, Kenya aims to improve the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of its blood services.

This technology, provided by Terumo, will significantly enhance the processing of donated blood, increasing speed and quality while minimizing wastage.

Once fully implemented in Kenya’s regional blood centers, the automation technology will have a profound impact on blood storage.

It will extend the shelf life of red blood cells from six days to an impressive 45 days and enable frozen platelets to last up to two years.

This advancement will not only ensure a more reliable supply of safe blood but also reduce the pressure on blood banks to replenish their stocks constantly.

Mr. Kimtai also acknowledged the progress made by neighboring countries, such as Zambia and Uganda, in adopting modern blood technologies.

He encouraged other African nations to follow suit, emphasizing that Africa has a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional technological development paths.

 “Africa has an opportunity to leapfrog in technology, rather than follow traditional evolutionary paths,” he remarked.

Furthermore, Mr. Kimtai appealed to the private sector, academic institutions, and the public to support voluntary blood donation.

He urged a shift away from relying heavily on high school donors, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in blood donation.

“Blood is a gift we all have — and one we can give freely to save lives,” he noted.

This call to action underscores the need for a collaborative effort to ensure a sustainable supply of blood, which is crucial for maintaining robust healthcare services.

The Africa Technology Day event served as a platform for stakeholders from across the continent to explore innovations in blood management.

By embracing this cutting-edge technology, Kenya is positioning itself at the forefront of modernizing health systems, aligning with the Universal Health Coverage agenda.

This move not only reflects Kenya’s commitment to improving healthcare but also sets a precedent for other countries in the region to adopt similar advancements.

 As Kenya embarks on this journey, it is poised to become a model for effective blood transfusion services in Africa, ensuring that more lives are saved through timely access to safe blood.

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