Rotarians Mobilize Youth to Give Blood

Around 100 students from the Kagarama Secondary School Interact Club, along with Rotarians and Rotaractors from the Rotary Club Kigali Virun...

Around 100 students from the Kagarama Secondary School Interact Club, along with Rotarians and Rotaractors from the Rotary Club Kigali Virunga (RCKV), participated in a blood donation campaign organized to inspire young people to keep supporting blood donation efforts. The drive seeks to educate youth on being compassionate citizens who contribute by giving what they can to save lives during emergencies. The event was held on Saturday, November 22. Backed by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), this initiative is part of the Rotarians' preparations for their 25th anniversary, which will take place in March next year. It is one of several activities planned to raise public awareness ahead of the anniversary. ALSO READ: Huye: Rotarians offer nutritional support to vulnerable families During the launch, Carol Rugege, Director of Public Image at RCKV, emphasized the significance of blood, stating that it has no alternative. "We also know that every three seconds someone needs a blood transfusion. That's why it's crucial for people to donate as frequently as possible," she mentioned. ALSO READ: Rwanda introduces four initiatives to eliminate blood expiry by 2027 In 2024, RBC collected 84,383 blood units from 58,688 donors. Men contributed over 70 percent of donations, while women accounted for approximately 30 percent. Young people aged 18 to 25 were the primary donor group, making up 65.3 percent of the total. Gratia Dushime, a staff member in RBC’s Blood Transfusion Division, stated that blood donation is vital because it saves lives by providing essential transfusions for patients undergoing surgery, those involved in trauma incidents, and individuals with chronic conditions like cancer and sickle cell disease. "Anyone who is eligible can donate between the ages of 18 and 60, provided they are in good health," she noted. "Young people are the best target group since they are generally healthier compared to older adults, many of whom have conditions such as hypertension that make them ineligible to donate," she added. ALSO READ: Rotarians enhance the fight against polio in Rwanda and globally Paul Birungi, a Past Assistant District Governor (PADG) who has been a member of the Rotary Club Kigali Virunga since 2000 and the event organizer, said that the voluntary blood donation aligns with Rotary's mission to train young people to become responsible citizens and future leaders. ALSO READ: From queue to click: Rwanda's digital transformation of blood donation Robert Fogler, an American Rotarian and member of RCKV, who is a universal donor and has been donating blood for over 30 years, said that donating blood is something he enjoys doing for humanitarian reasons. "I encourage young people to be at the forefront. Every time I read about a friend who had a car accident and struggled to find blood, it reminds me how important this is," he said. Ornella Teta Immortal Nessia, 18, an Interact Club member and blood donor currently studying Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology in Senior Six, said that through the club, they have learned about charitable activities, and this initiative is one of the many they participate in.

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