Kenya unveils blood automation plan at Africa Technology Day

Kenya is set to roll out whole blood automation technology to modernize blood transfusion services and improve access to safe blood nationwide.

This groundbreaking initiative was announced by the outgoing Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, during the Africa Technology Day hosted by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies in Nairobi.

Addressing delegates from across Africa and representatives from Terumo Corporation Japan, Kimtai underscored the critical role of blood in strengthening health systems, emphasizing that timely access to safe blood is essential in emergencies such as surgery, childbirth, cancer treatment and managing conditions like Sickle Cell Disease.

“Blood is a life-saving resource. Without it, many medical services would come to a halt,” said Kimtai. “Through automation, we will improve the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of blood services in Kenya.”

The automation technology by Terumo will significantly enhance the processing of donated blood, increasing speed and quality while minimizing wastage.

Once fully implemented in Kenya’s regional blood centers, the technology will extend the shelf life of red blood cells from six days to 45 days and enable frozen platelets to last up to two years.

Kimtai also acknowledged the strides made by countries like Zambia and Uganda in adopting modern blood technologies, urging other African nations to follow their lead.

“Africa has an opportunity to leapfrog in technology, rather than follow traditional evolutionary paths,” he remarked.

He further appealed to the private sector, academic institutions, and the public to support voluntary blood donation and reduce reliance on high school donors.

“Blood is a gift we all have and one we can give freely to save lives,” he added.

The event convened stakeholders from across the continent to explore innovations in blood management, positioning Kenya at the forefront of modernizing health systems in line with the Universal Health Coverage agenda.