Lodwar- June 14, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The County Government has issued an urgent appeal to residents to turn up in large numbers and voluntarily donate blood, as the county marks this year’s World Blood Donor Day.
Under the theme, “Give blood, give hope: together we can save lives,” this day serves as a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact of voluntary blood donation. It is a moment to honor and celebrate the selfless heroes who consistently donate blood preserving lives, especially in Turkana, where the demand is high and the need urgent.
The Department of Health and Sanitation targets to collect at least 450 pints today at the four designated donation sites- Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH), Kakuma Baraza Park, Kalobeyei Secondary School, and Songot Secondary School. This is order to address a critical shortage threatening the lives of hundreds.
Every day, LCRH receives over 400 patients from across the county, including 20 blood transfusion requests, yet it can only meet 15 of these, leaving 5 patients without blood daily. This is just at LCRH, there are 229 health facilities in the county and 12 of these are transfusion centers with daily needs for blood.
“This is not just a statistic; these are mothers in labor, children with severe malaria, and accident victims fighting for their life,” said Dr Epem Esekon, County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation adding “Every drop of blood donated saves a life.”
The World Health Organization recommends that each country collects 1% of its population in blood units annually. For Turkana, that translates to 1,000 pints per month, but the county manages an average of just 300 pints from the Lodwar Satellite collection center. This leaves a dangerous gap of nearly 80% in monthly demand.
“Blood is not manufactured, it must be freely given by healthy and willing individuals,” said Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Janerose Tioko.
The expanded surgical space in sub-counties also need blood including conflict related trauma cases because of insecurity within our borders.
“One pint can mean the difference between life and death for a mother, a child, or an accident victim. Let’s give hope through our veins,” Chief Tioko added.
While secondary school students contribute 70% of blood donations, this donor base diminishes once they graduate, exposing the urgent need for year-round community awareness and adult voluntary donations.
Misconceptions around blood donation such as fears of weakness or beliefs that blood is sold in hospitals, have continued to hinder participation in this crucial exercise. Yet, medical professionals insist the process is safe and simple.
According to Dr Lokoel everyone can donate for as long as they are above the age of 16 and and weighing over 50kgs among other eligibility indicators.
“If we get 1,000 pints today, we’ll have saved 3,000 lives in the long run,” emphasized Dr Lokoel emphasized clarifying that “You don’t have to be a doctor to save a life—you just need a big heart and 500ml of your blood.”
Despite continued efforts to collect blood and spread awareness, Turkana still falls short of the national target of the WHO minimum requirement of 1,000 units monthly. Most donations are made during seasonal events such as Valentine’s Day and the Tobong’u Lore Cultural Festival among others. However, consistency of willing blood donors is lacking.
The County Department of Health and Sanitation is now working to build a permanent blood donor registry and increase community-based education to change long-held myths and sustain a culture of lifesaving generosity.
This World Blood Donor Day, be part of the 450 pints that could save over 1,300 lives.
“Today, I urge all Turkana residents to donate blood and give the gift of life and together we can build a healthier community,” CEC Epem shared.
By: Esther Mwangi, Assistant Director, PCMR
