The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has underscored the need for strategic reforms in Kenya’s blood transfusion and transplant services to ensure they contribute effectively to the nation’s goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He emphasized that a consistent and safe blood supply is pivotal in advancing UHC and combating maternal mortality, two key priorities for the Kenyan health sector.
Dr. Oluga made these remarks during a meeting with the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services (KBTTS) team, where he focused on several critical areas that need attention for the country’s blood services to function optimally. One of the main issues highlighted was the importance of efficient planning and management of the blood supply system. Dr. Oluga called for optimized supply chains, improved infrastructure, and the modernization of equipment to guarantee the availability of safe and consistent blood across all counties.
A crucial element discussed during the meeting was governance. Dr. Oluga acknowledged that governance challenges have hindered the full potential of the sector, with some aspects of leadership and decision-making impacting service delivery. He called on the KBTTS team to prioritize the public good over individual interests and to ensure that their operations are aligned with the broader goals of the national health agenda. He stressed that unity, accountability, and innovation are essential to overcoming these challenges and ensuring the blood transfusion and transplant services meet the needs of the Kenyan population.
In addition to governance, Dr. Oluga emphasized the need for stronger policy frameworks to support transplant services. He also noted that the expansion of external partnerships and philanthropic support is necessary for sustained progress in this area. Building collaborations with local and international partners could provide the additional resources needed to strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system, especially in the area of blood transfusion and organ transplantation.
Dr. Oluga also reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to addressing the operational challenges faced by the sector. These challenges include human resource shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and limited financial resources. To mitigate these issues, the Principal Secretary urged the team to rethink the current funding model. He encouraged the team to identify innovative solutions that could help optimize the limited resources available while ensuring that the blood transfusion and transplant services can meet the growing demands of the population.
The Kenya Blood Transfusion Services has made significant strides in recent years, particularly in the area of blood transfusion. The Directorate of Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services has transitioned from whole blood transfusions to blood components, in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. This move is part of a broader effort to advance blood management practices in Kenya. The introduction of the Damu-KE system, which facilitates blood collection and distribution, has also contributed to the modernization of services, with six regional centers now fully operational across all 47 counties.
One of the notable achievements in the past financial year was the collection of 449,000 units of blood and blood components, surpassing the Directorate’s target. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the KBTTS team, although Dr. Oluga acknowledged that there is still more work to be done, particularly in expanding the country’s blood donation base and addressing regional disparities in blood availability.
Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Director General for Health, praised the efforts of the KBTTS team in improving the country’s blood transfusion services. He reiterated the importance of focusing on resource mobilization, county-level partnerships, and the expediting of the Blood Transfusion Bill, which aims to further strengthen the regulatory framework for blood transfusion and transplant services in Kenya. The Bill is expected to play a critical role in enhancing the safety and efficiency of blood services, ensuring that they can support the country’s UHC objectives effectively.
As Kenya continues to work towards achieving UHC, the role of the blood transfusion and transplant services cannot be overstated. With the right strategic reforms, stronger governance, and increased investment, the sector can make a significant contribution to improving health outcomes for all Kenyans, particularly in reducing maternal mortality and enhancing the availability of life-saving blood for those in need.
