The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) has announced that in 2024, a total of 58,688 people donated 84,383 blood units, with young people aged 18–25 accounting for 8,322 donors, which made up 67% of all the blood collected.
This data was released as Rwanda joined the global community in celebrating World Blood Donor Day.
Many youths who participated in the blood donation campaign said they previously believed blood donation was only for older adults, but after knowing its importance, they embraced it wholeheartedly.
Twizerimana Afurika, a young blood donor from Musanze district, said:
“At first, I thought blood donation wasn’t for young people like me. I assumed it was only for adults. But over time, I came to understand that donating blood is a way to save the lives of seriously ill patients.”
He encouraged other youths who haven’t yet donated to get involved, emphasizing that helping others reflects on compassion and humanity.
“We young people we are strong. If you have no health issues preventing you from donating, I urge you to do this noble act.”
Twizerimana Afurika, a young blood donor from Musanze district
Umuhoza Divine, another young donor also shared her perspective, saying that young people should be more aware of how life-changing blood donation can be:
“When I think about how blood I donated may have saved someone’s life, I feel proud. I encourage my peers to join in because donating blood doesn’t have any negative health effects on the donor.”
Dr. Thomas Muyombo, head of the National Blood Transfusion Division at RBC, said that it’s really a pleasant to see the contribution of the youth and encouraged them to continue their commitment:
“Young people were the biggest contributors to the national blood supply last year. But this must be sustained. That’s why we have the ‘Intwari Club 25’ program, a program where a young person pledges to donate blood 25 times over a period of 7.5 year,starting at age 18 and completing it by 25. The number 25 represents both the number of donations and the age limit to meet the goal.”
Dr. Muyombo added that there are ongoing awareness campaigns in high schools and universities across the country to promote regular blood donation among youth.
Dr. Thomas Muyombo, head of the National Blood Transfusion Division at RBC
Who receives blood donations?
The main beneficiaries of donated blood include:
- Women who experience severe bleeding during pregnancy or childbirth.
- Children suffering from severe anemia caused by malaria, malnutrition, or other illnesses.
- Patients undergoing major surgeries or suffering from critical illnesses.
- Individuals with blood disorders like hemophilia or other chronic blood conditions.
- Victims of accidents, natural disasters, or those who gets injured during the war.
Blood is donated voluntarily by individuals who pass medical screening to ensure they are healthy and have sufficient blood.
some pictures taken during the World Blood Donor Day celebration in Musanze district
Dr. Thomas Muyombo, head of the National Blood Transfusion Division at RBC in White shirt with the Govenor of North Province Maurice Mugabowagahunde in Black Shirt
Aline Nyampinga