Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai on Tuesday inaugurated the nationwide distribution of 150,000 blood bags and essential supplies at the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services (KBTTS) headquarters in Nairobi.
The move seeks to enhance the country’s blood collection efforts.
Kimutai said the initiative marks a significant stride towards a healthier Kenya, ensuring a robust and accessible blood supply vital for medical emergencies and surgeries.
He further emphasized that by securing blood resources, lives are preserved, strengthening the foundation of a resilient society.
Additionally, Kenya’s Blood Ambassadors, including Charlene Ruto, Caroline Wang’amati, Aisha Daffalla, and Kennedy Sanya, were introduced during the event.
“These ambassadors will play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting voluntary blood donation, fostering compassion and solidarity within communities across the nation,” the PS said.
PS Kimutai engages NGO leaders in tackling cancer Care challenges
Earlier, the PS chaired a strategic meeting as part of an effort to tackle the challenges surrounding access to cancer care in the country and align NGO initiatives with the National Cancer Agenda and the Ministry’s Cancer Strategy.
Joined by City Cancer Challenge Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Isabel Mestres, Chair of NCI-Kenya Board and CEO of Amref Health Africa Dr Githinji Gitahi, and NCI CEO Dr Elias Melly, the discussion centred on the progress of the City Cancer Challenge Nairobi initiative and its alignment with the Ministry’s Cancer Strategy.
The PS highlighted the Ministry’s collaboration with the Nairobi City County Government and City Cancer Challenge through an MOU, aiming to coordinate the health sector’s response to Kenya’s escalating cancer burden.
He also emphasized ongoing efforts to conduct a city-wide needs assessment in Nairobi, seeking to identify capacity and challenges in accessing cancer care and address them with locally-driven solutions.
