Health Leaders Warn Against Deadly Blood Donation Myths as Community Initiative Gains Momentum
By Denilson Deneki
The Kajo-Keji Community Blood Donors’ Initiative (KCBDI) held its Second Annual Meet-and-Greet on Sunday at Epatha Primary and Secondary School, bringing together government officials, donors, survivors, and community leaders. The event celebrated volunteer donors, shared powerful testimonials from recipients, and renewed calls for increased public participation to combat South Sudan’s ongoing blood shortage crisis.
Founded in September 2023 and launched in November of the same year, KCBDI was established by a group of determined youth aiming to prevent preventable deaths caused by blood shortages in health facilities. The initiative now maintains a database of 48 standby volunteers ready to respond to emergencies and has already saved at least 35 lives, primarily mothers, children, and critically ill patients.
Modong Anne, Secretary for Information at KCBDI, explained the motivation behind the initiative:
“Many of us here have lost loved ones due to the lack of blood. We asked ourselves, ‘Why can’t we do something?’ This is preventable.”
She emphasized that the event aimed to connect donors with recipients—sharing gratitude, inspiring continued volunteerism, and planning to expand across Central Equatoria and eventually nationwide.
Dr. Harriet Pasquale, Director at the National Ministry of Health, commended KCBDI for mobilizing donors and raising awareness about the importance of blood donation.
“Blood is a vital health resource for us in South Sudan. A community-led initiative like this is essential,” she said.
Dr. Pasquale pledged support by fast-tracking emergency blood testing and encouraging broader community engagement.
Similarly, Dr. James Wani, Director General at the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Health, called donors “unsung heroes” and announced that blood donation awareness will now be incorporated into all state health education programs.
Dr. Idioryo, President of AGOSS, highlighted how misconceptions about blood donation contribute to high maternal mortality rates in South Sudan.
“South Sudan has the highest maternal deaths due to bleeding. Donated blood, if used promptly, can save lives,” she emphasized.
She shared a story of a cancer patient saved with eight units of blood, underscoring the lifesaving role of donors and family cooperation.
Duku Dominic Lunga praised donors as heroes and urged citizens to overcome fears surrounding blood donation.
Duku Evan Charles, a universal donor since 2002, assured the audience that donating blood is safe and called for increased school-based awareness programs to encourage young donors.
The event closed with a collective message: voluntary blood donation saves lives. Supported by government officials and community donors, KCBDI’s model demonstrates a promising pathway toward establishing a reliable, nationwide blood donation system in South Sudan.
