Rwanda sees over 99% hospital blood demand satisfaction in 2025
Health officials in Rwanda Sunday called on all eligible Rwandans and the general public to sustain a culture of voluntary blood donation, saying their generosity saves countless lives, including mothers experiencing complications during childbirth and accident victims.
In a message to mark the World Blood Donor Day, the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) reminded the public that one blood donation can save up to three lives.
Rwanda’s sustained investments in blood transfusion services and the commitment of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors led to a record 99.66 percent hospital blood demand satisfaction rate in 2025, one of the highest levels ever achieved nationally, according to RBC.
Data from RBC showed that 92,615 units of whole blood were collected last year, enabling the National Blood Transfusion Division to supply 126,519 units of blood and blood components against a hospital demand of 126,946 units nationwide.
It indicated that the positive trend has continued in 2026, where more than 40,000 units of blood were collected between January and May, enabling the government to meet hospital requests at 99.7 percent.
This, RBC said, demonstrated the resilience and reliability of the national blood transfusion system.
Thomas Muyombo, Division Manager of the Blood Transfusion Division at RBC said the achievements reflect the commitment of the country’s voluntary blood donors, healthcare workers and partners who work tirelessly to ensure that every patient who needs blood receives it.
The World Blood Donor Day is commemorated globally on June 14 to thank voluntary blood donors and raise awareness about the need for regular blood donation.
Rwanda's blood transfusion service was established in 1976 and has relied exclusively on voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors since 1985.Enditem
RBC said beyond availability, Rwanda continues to uphold the highest standards of blood safety and quality, whereby 100 percent of donated blood currently is screened for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis before transfusion.
