South Sudan collected 86 units of blood during a donation drive marking World Blood Donor Day, enough to save up to 258 lives, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced this week. The National Blood Transfusion Services organized the campaign on June 14 with help from WHO and the Red Cross. Fifty-four regular donors and 32 first-time donors gave blood during the drive in Juba.
South Sudan desperately needs blood for mothers giving birth, trauma victims, and children with severe anemia, malnutrition, and malaria. The country has struggled to maintain a safe blood supply due to limited resources and infrastructure challenges. One blood donation can save three lives, but many people don’t know how badly blood is needed.
This year’s World Blood Donor Day theme was “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives.” The campaign included a roundtable meeting with health ministry officials, lab workers, Red Cross leaders, and community members to push for more support for blood programs. “This partnership shows that when we work together, we can overcome gaps in ensuring there is a safe and adequate blood supply,” said Dr. Angelo Aruop Akeen, who runs the National Blood Transfusion Services. WHO Representative Dr Humphrey Karamagi said his organization will keep working with South Sudan to improve blood services and update their strategic plans.
WHO staff who donated blood said the experience felt meaningful. “Knowing that a small act like this can make a difference in someone’s survival is deeply motivating,” said Dr Bayo Pontius, a WHO reproductive health officer who participated.
Blood donation saves 14 million mothers’ lives globally each year. South Sudan hopes to expand its blood collection programs to meet growing demand at hospitals and clinics across the country.
