Last week, the Pathways for Innovation in Blood Transfusion Systems in Kenya (PITS-Kenya) project hosted the 2025 BLOODSAFE Symposium at Strathmore University Business School. This landmark event brought together policymakers, researchers, clinicians, and community health leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa and global health institutions to address critical challenges in blood transfusion systems. Their shared goal? To reimagine how blood systems work—and how they can work better for everyone.
The two-day symposium featured three main components that fostered meaningful dialogue and innovation. Research presentations revealed new findings on donor motivation in rural communities, cost-effectiveness analyses of different collection models, and telemedicine applications for blood type matching. Policy roundtables addressed crucial topics, including harmonizing regional blood safety standards, models for private-public partnerships, and regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies. Attendees also witnessed practical technology demonstrations featuring low-cost portable blood testing devices, drone delivery systems for remote areas, and digital platforms designed to enhance donor engagement.
This wasn’t just another health symposium. It was a defining moment for the Pathways for Innovation in Blood Transfusion Systems in Kenya (PITS-Kenya) project, part of a broader initiative known as the BLOODSAFE Program. Backed by the U.S. National Institutes of Health through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, BLOODSAFE aims to transform blood transfusion systems in developing countries. The initiative has set ambitious targets to triple safe blood donations in target regions while implementing cutting-edge quality control measures for blood supplies. A particularly innovative aspect involves developing last-mile delivery solutions to reach remote communities traditionally facing severe blood shortages. Currently operational in Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi, the program’s research focuses on creating scalable models that could benefit the entire developing world, with measurable goals including a 40 per cent increase in voluntary blood donor participation, a 30 per cent reduction in transfusion complications, and a 50 per cent decrease in blood wastage through optimized distribution systems.
As the Kenyan implementation arm of this initiative, PITS-Kenya is pioneering several innovative approaches that could reshape blood transfusion systems. These include mobile blood donation units integrated with existing community health programs, blockchain-enabled tracking systems to monitor blood from donor to recipient, and AI-powered demand forecasting tools to prevent shortages. Dr. Wanjiru Mburu, PITS-Kenya’s Principal Investigator, emphasizes that “what makes this initiative unique is its dual focus on both immediate solutions and long-term system strengthening,” ensuring sustainability beyond the project timeline.
Beyond its immediate research goals, BLOODSAFE is strategically investing in developing local expertise through leadership programs for African hematologists and fostering cross-border research collaborations. The initiative also prioritizes community education to transform cultural perceptions about blood donation, recognizing that sustainable solutions require systemic and societal changes. These capacity-building efforts aim to create a lasting foundation for blood system improvements that will endure beyond the current project cycle.
As NIH Program Director Dr. James Henderson noted during the closing panel, “We’re not just solving Africa’s blood shortage – we’re creating a blueprint for resilient health systems worldwide,” highlighting the global potential of these locally developed solutions.
Article by Juliet Hinga
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