MIGORI — Students from Migori Teachers Training College rallied together in a significant blood donation event, contributing over 100 pints to Kenya's Blood Bank, as local leaders and health officials called on more youth in Migori County to engage in regular blood donation.

According to Kenya News Agency, President of the Rotary Club of Suna Migori, the blood drive was a collaborative effort between the Rotary Club and Migori County Referral Hospital, aimed at addressing the critical shortage of blood supplies in regional hospitals. Otieno highlighted the event's success and revealed plans to extend their efforts across other counties in the western region, with a goal to collect over 200 pints of blood in a single day.

Dr. Catherine Adera, who coordinates blood transfusion services in Migori, emphasized the dire need for consistent blood donations, pointing out that the area falls short of its annual target of 12,400 pints. She stressed the importance of donations for patients suffering from conditions like anemia, sickle cell disease, and post-partum hemorrhage. Adera also noted the benefits for donors, including receiving a donor card that indicates their blood type and ensures priority access to blood transfusions when needed.

Joshua Ochieng, a student participant, spoke about his motivation for donating blood and the need to dispel myths surrounding the process. He encouraged his peers to contribute actively to the initiative, which aims not only to meet immediate healthcare needs but also to foster a culture of regular blood donation among the youth in Migori County and beyond.