KDF soldiers lead blood donation drive in Mandera

Mandera County Teaching and Referral Hospital has embarked on a blood donation campaign ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

While presiding over the exercise at a local military camp, Junet Mohamed, medical superintendent of the hospital, said they target to get 300 pints of blood.

Mohamed said the blood donation will save lives of 900 patients.

 "As we thank our brothers and sisters in KDF for their donations, the hospital targets to acquire 300 pints that will serve 900 patients," he said.

"We as a hospital will continue seeking for donations from institutions and the general public on every Friday ahead of Ramadhan, which is to commence next month," he added.

He said it will be difficult to get blood donors during Ramadan due to the high temperatures in Mandera. 

"I think it will be very hard to get blood donors during the month of Ramadan because of the high temperatures in March that will hit between 40 and 43 degrees during the day," he said. 

KDF officer Allan Osulika who led 80 soldiers to voluntarily donate blood, urged the public to do the same. 

"I call on locals in Mandera to emulate KDF and donate blood to save lives as the exercise is meant to boost the blood bank at the county hospital," he said.  

The blood donations assist patients involved in accidents, surgeries, and other medical conditions.

"If we donate blood, we will help patients with cancer, blood disorders, chronic illnesses, severe anemia, hemophilia, and immune disorders," said Osulika.