Kenya plans to implement whole blood automation technology as part of its modernization efforts to enhance safe blood access nationwide and upgrade its blood transfusion services. At Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies’ Africa Technology Day in Nairobi, Mr. Harry Kimtai, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, made the announcement.
Speaking to delegates from throughout Africa and representatives from Terumo Corporation Japan, Mr. Kimtai underlined the vital role that blood plays in bolstering health systems, pointing out that prompt access to safe blood can save lives in life-threatening situations like childbirth, cancer treatment, surgery, and the treatment of sickle cell disease.
Blood is a resource that can save lives. Many medical services would stop operating without it, Mr. Kimtai stated. “We will increase the effectiveness, sustainability, and quality of blood services in Kenya through automation.”
Terumo’s automated system will process given blood more quickly and efficiently while also cutting down on waste. The technology will enable frozen platelets to last up to two years and increase the shelf life of red blood cells from six days to forty-five days once it is completely implemented at Kenya’s regional blood centers.
Mr. Kimtai also urged other African states to emulate Zambia and Uganda, citing their advancements in implementing contemporary blood technologies. He asserted that instead of following conventional evolutionary patterns, Africa had the chance to advance technologically.
He also urged the public, educational institutions, and the commercial sector to abandon reliance on high school donors and promote voluntary blood donation. He said, “We all have the gift of blood, which we can freely give to save lives.”
Stakeholders from all around the continent came together to discuss blood management technologies, with Kenya establishing itself as a leader in updating healthcare systems to support the Universal Health Coverage agenda.
