People donating blood at a mobile donation centre. [Photo|nation]
Kisumu Regional Blood Transfusion Centre has partnered with the Kenya Red Cross to accelerate blood donation drives to replenish the dwindling stocks at the facility.
Elizabeth Odhiambo, the officer in charge of the Blood Bank said the commodity was fast running out owing to the increased demand from facilities in the region to treat post election protests victims.
Odhiambo disclosed that the center was currently having only 200 units of blood which was inadequate since the facility serves hospitals in Kisumu, Kisii, Siaya, Homabay, Vihiga and Kakamega Counties.
Since schools are closed, Odhiambo said the Centre was now targeting donations from Faith Based Organizations in a move to step-up efforts to restock the Centre.
“On Sunday September 29th we pitched our tents at CITAM Church in Kisumu town. We were able collect 70 units of blood,” said Odhiambo.
According to Dr Juliana Otieno, Chief Executive Officer, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, ten victims of post-election violence who need blood are still admitted at the health facility.
Eight of the ten victims, the CEO said lost a lot of blood after sustaining gunshot wounds during the National Supper Alliance (NASA) demonstrations.
The CEO stated that the health facility was hoping that either the National or County government will foot the hospital bills for the victims.
The funds if provided, she said will enable some of the victims to undergo surgery to remove the bullets which are still lodged in their bodies.