Somalia has launched a blood bank in Mogadishu, a first for the country in 30 years in what donors said could help the country’s emergency responses.
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre presided over the launch on Saturday, reviving the country’s collapsed blood ban that had initially been established in 1976 but collapsed in 1991 alongside other state institutions during the civil war.
The new facility, officials said, was formed with support from the United Nations reproductive health agency (UNFPA) and the Swedish government.
Mr Barre described said the new facility is a positive step, especially for a country that often requires blood supplies on a daily basis: the impact of attacks by extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab.
“We have been struggling with violent incidents and different calamities that often-required blood supplies,” said the Premier addressing a galaxy of officials that included Somalia’s Health Minister Dr Ali Haji Aden and the Country Representative for UNFPA in Somalia Niyi Ojuolape.
Aden told the media that the country is now in a stronger position to effectively handle emergency situations, focusing on life-saving activities, thanks to the restoration of the blood bank.
The blood bank is a lifeline in a number of medical situations, including operations, trauma cases, problems during childbirth, and the treatment of patients with chronic illnesses, according to a statement issued by UNFPA.
“The National Blood Bank has a 50-unit-per-day production capacity and a storage capacity of 6,500 units at any given time,” the statement outlined.
This is well thought out since it can balance supply and demand, ensuring that medical personnel have quick access to safe blood products and lowering the chance of avoidable fatalities.
The facility, according to representatives of the Somali government, UNFPA, and the Swedish government, will guarantee the supply of life-saving blood supplies and expand the nation’s overall healthcare infrastructure.
The agency’s statement indicated, “It is critical to addressing healthcare challenges, such as maternal mortality rates, access to quality healthcare, and emergency medical services.”
Dr Yasin Ahmed Nur, a former deputy director of Somalia’s defunct blood bank, who also, attended the launch ceremony of the new blood bank on Saturday said the move reflects a turnaround for the country’s medical response.
On Sunday, Dr Nur told The EastAfrican, the former bank used to produce 10,000 units per year. He recalls that the bank was looted and destroyed by rag-tag militias, forcing him to flee from the residential section of the former bank.
“We used to send trucks with cooling system to seek donations from military barracks, ministries and government offices and educational centres and their likes,” remarked Dr Nur, urging the new bank management to mobilise donors.
“Unlike in the 1970s and 1980s, Somalia has advanced transportation and communication systems, every town having its own airport or airstrip, facilitating blood transportation to needy people,” he added.
The State Minister of Health Dr Maryama Mohamed Hussein said that the ministry and the blood bank’s management will take advantage of the 14 June is World Blood Donor Day to raise awareness.
“We will urge our people to discard the taboo against blood donations. We will take advantage of the opportunity to teach that every year countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day,” remarked Dr Hussein.
