The Rotary Club of Kericho in collaboration with the Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority (KTTA) organized a blood donation drive in Kericho town where residents turned up in large numbers for the exercise.
The campaign held at Uhuru Gardens was to mobilize the community and other organizations to take part in the drive to replenish the blood banks and raise awareness about the significance of frequent blood donation.
Speaking to KNA, President of the Rotary Club of Kericho, Oscar Lumire said the club was carrying out the initiate noting that safe blood saves lives in health facilities.
He pointed out that blood is often needed for women experiencing complications during pregnancy and childbirth, children suffering from severe anemia often due to malaria or malnutrition, accident victims, and patients undergoing surgery or cancer treatment.
Lumire who was accompanied by Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority (KTTA) Kericho Branch Coordinator, Ms. Josphine Korir, underscored that there was a constant need for regular supply of blood since it can only be stored for a limited period of time before use.
“As the Rotary Club, we are committed to organizing ongoing blood drives throughout Kericho. It is crucial to have a sufficient number of healthy donors to ensure that blood is always available when and where it is needed in our hospitals.” added Lumire
He further said that the club members also sensitized the public on the significance of donating blood, who can donate blood and who cannot donate blood, assuring them that their donation was for a cause.
According to World Health Organization, Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person, the gift of life, and a decision to donate your blood can save a life. The blood is usually separated into its components, red cells, platelets and plasma – which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.
By Ken Kiprotich
