Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – In a monumental move, Somalia marked a significant milestone in its healthcare trajectory by reopening the National Blood Bank after a hiatus of over 30 years.

This critical initiative is set to address the longstanding blood supply shortage and consequently bolster the chances of saving numerous lives in the nation.

Spearheading the momentous occasion in Mogadishu, Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, accentuated the gravity of this achievement.

“For a nation that’s constantly tested with calamities and violent disruptions, having a robust system to meet the crucial demand for blood is an imperative,” Barre stated.

Addressing a dire need 

Previously, significant events, such as the Zobe 1 and Zobe 2 explosions in 2017 and 2022, witnessed a surge of public support, with numerous individuals stepping forward to donate blood.

Dr. Ali Haji Adam, Somalia’s Health Minister, voiced a significant challenge from those days: “While there was an outpouring of public donations, the absence of a proper storage facility curtailed our ability to stockpile the donated blood. That predicament is now in the past.”

Emphasizing the profound repercussions of the absence of safe blood accessibility in the country, Dr. Adam said, “Blood unavailability is the second major cause behind maternal mortality during childbirth.”

“This renewed facility ensures that mothers, during their pivotal moments, won’t be deprived of this lifesaving essence.”

The blood bank’s historical context

Initially set up in 1976, the national blood bank had unfortunately been dormant for nearly three decades.

Persistent conflicts rendered the country devoid of a dependable blood source crucial for medical emergencies.

Across Somalia, medical facilities have perennially struggled to secure enough blood supplies.

However, with the revitalized national blood bank, there’s newfound optimism.

“This initiative isn’t merely about catering to immediate accident and disaster-induced needs. It promises to transform the lives of frail children across the country,” shared medical professionals.

Dr. Adam added, “With the capability to house hundreds of thousands of blood donations from the public, we’re poised to make significant strides in healthcare.”

The revival of the National Blood Bank in Somalia isn’t just a beacon of hope for improved medical services and a testament to the country’s resilience and commitment to its citizens’ welfare.

As the nation takes another step forward in strengthening its healthcare infrastructure, countless lives await a brighter, healthier tomorrow.