Rwanda vows no patient will die due to lack of blood

Rwanda has made a firm national commitment to ensure that no patient loses their life because of a lack of blood, with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) confirming that the country has reached near-universal coverage of blood supply to hospitals thanks in large part to the remarkable contribution of the youth.

The pledge was reaffirmed on June 14, 2025, as the country joined the global community to celebrate World Blood Donor Day, under the theme "Give Blood, Give Hope: Together for Patients."National events were held in Musanze District, attracting youth volunteers, government workers, and the wider public.

Speaking during the celebration, Dr. Thomas Muyombo, Head of the Blood Services Department at RBC, stated that blood should be readily available for every patient who needs it.

"Blood is often the only solution a doctor can turn to in saving a patient’s life, as a nation, we have taken a strong pledge no patient should ever die because of a blood shortage," he said.

He added that Rwanda is even prepared to support neighboring countries in need, through diplomatic coordination.

Statistics from RBC reveal that in 2024 alone, 58,688 people donated blood across Rwanda, with an overwhelming 65.3% being youth aged 18 to 25, contributing 84,383 units of blood.

This unprecedented involvement of young people is credited for helping the country achieve a 99.72% fulfillment rate of all hospital blood requests.

The government’s vow is being turned into action through various awareness programs and school-based campaigns that promote regular voluntary blood donation.

One standout initiative is "Intwari Club 25," which encourages youth to begin donating blood at age 18 and continue until they reach 25 donations by the age of 25. Those who reach this milestone are honored as national heroes for giving life to others.

For many youth donors, blood donation has become a deeply meaningful act not for money or recognition, but out of empathy and civic duty. Some say they give blood with the knowledge that it might save a woman in childbirth, a child sick with malaria, or an accident victim.

Even those who previously thought blood donation was only for health workers or older adults say their views changed after understanding its impact. Now, they see it as an act of courage, solidarity, and compassion that unites all Rwandans beyond language, background, or class.

The blood donation process itself is safe and simple. It takes just 20 to 30 minutes and requires the donor to be aged 18–60, weigh at least 50kg, be in good health, and have sufficient hemoglobin levels.

RBC continues to celebrate and thank the youth of Rwanda, whose selfless donations are giving life to others and turning the country’s vow into a life saving reality.