Rwanda Defence Force and the National Centre for Blood Transfusion on Friday kicked off a blood donation drive in all military police barracks.
The blood donation campaign was launched at Kanombe Military Barracks in Kigali. According to Col. Dr J. Chrysostome Kagimbana, Commandant for Rwanda Military Hospital the campaign will reach out to the different barracks across the country giving the soldiers an opportunity to voluntarily donate blood.
He highlighted that the campaign was in response to a call made by the Ministry of Health to Rwandans to donate blood in order to increase its availability in the country’s health units.
“If you donate blood you are giving life. There is nothing as good as knowing that someone is living because of you,” Col. Dr Kagimbana said.
He also called upon Rwandans to always support the blood donation campaigns in the country.
Alexia Mukamazimpaka, the acting director of the National Blood Transfusion Centre (NBTC) in the city commended RDF for being on the forefront to donate blood, and appreciated thanked each officer, who turned up for the exercise.
The exercise is particularly vital to the National Blood Transfusion Centre (NBTC) which needs to have a constant supply of blood which serves numerous patients.
“We always work with RDF in ensuring public health welfare; blood donation indicates the value, commitment and sacrifice our army have for the people,” she added.
According to NCBT 269 units were collected that day and the campaign will continue to other military units and formations.
Every year, 45000 patients need blood transfusion. These patients include accident victims, people suffering from diseases like malaria, mothers during delivery of babies, among others.