In emergencies, knowing your blood type can be the difference between life and death. Yet, many Rwandans remain unaware of their blood group, a gap that health experts warn could have dire consequences. ALSO READ: Rwandans with blood group Type O urged to donate Moise Tuyishimire, the Blood and Cornea Donor Recruitment and Retention Specialist at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), has emphasized the importance of blood group awareness. He told The New Times: “Knowing your blood group is essential for several medical and health-related reasons, especially in life-saving situations. It’s important for safe blood transfusions, emergency care, pregnancy and childbirth, organ transplants, health monitoring, and community health initiatives. ALSO READ: RBC issues critical appeal for type O blood donations “For every transfusion, a cross-match procedure is conducted at both the hospital and Blood Transfusion Division levels upon a doctor’s request.” Every year, on June 14, countries around the world celebrate the World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), an event that serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. According to Rwanda Biomedical Centre, a blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is a key component of an effective health system. In Rwanda, this year’s World Blood Donor Day will take place at the Regional Center for Blood Transfusion-Ruhengeri, in Northern Province. The event will focus on activities aiming at mobilizing the general population, particularly young people to regularly donate blood for saving the lives of patients in need. A blood type, or blood group, is a medical term that describes the kind of blood a person has. It is a classification based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances in red blood cells, which are part of the body’s immune system. Knowing a person's blood type is very important, especially in blood transfusions, because some types are compatible while others are not. If a person receives blood that is incompatible with their blood type, it can lead to serious complications, including death. The ABO system is a classification of blood group type based on the presence or absence of antigens on the surface of red blood cells. It includes four main types. Type A has A antigens on red blood cells and anti-B antibodies in plasma. Type B has B antigens on red blood cells and anti-A antibodies in plasma. Type AB has both A and B antigens but no antibodies against either—making it the universal recipient. Type O has no A or B antigens but has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies—making it the universal donor. While some people understand the importance of knowing their blood type, others do not. Chrisante Habimana, 22, an information technology student at University of Kigali, told a tragic story about a neighbour who died due to not knowing his blood type. “A neighbour of mine had an accident and didn’t know his blood type. He was taken to the hospital and needed a transfusion, but while doctors were testing to determine his blood type, he passed away. That’s why it’s very important to know your blood type,” he said. Josianne Mujawimana, 25, a hairdresser in Gasabo District, said: “It is very important to know your blood type because it can help when you need a transfusion. You might have an accident and lose a lot of blood, so knowing your type can make a life-saving difference.” Josephine Niyonizeye, 36, a vegetable and fruit vendor in Kimihurura Sector, Gasabo district, does not know her blood type, but she understands that it is important. “When you’re sick, knowing your blood type can help you get medical support more quickly. If you ever need a blood donor, it’s easier and faster for doctors to help you if they already know your type,” Niyonizeye said. Alphonse Bizimungu, 48, a taxi-moto rider in Kigali, has known his blood type since 2013, when he began donating blood. He said: “I have been donating blood since 2013, so I know my blood group. I enjoy donating blood because it’s one way of helping people who urgently need it.” Activities aiming at mobilizing the general population, particularly young people to regularly donate blood for saving lives of patients in need, during World Blood Donor Day will include awarding the top 10 blood donors who donated blood in 2024. According to RBC, each Regional Center for Blood Transfusion will award top two – male and female – blood donors in its catchment area with certificates of appreciation and other incentives. Last year, the Blood Transfusion Division collected 84,383 blood units. Male donors donated 59,394 blood units (70.39%) while female donated 24,989 blood units (29.61%). According to RBC, the low number of donations by females is caused by the criteria excluding them to regularly donate blood; including but not limited to menstruation, pregnancy, breast-feeding, and so on. The 84,383 blood units that the division collected in 2024 were donated by 58,688 blood donors. Youth between 18 and 25 years old were the most blood donors with 38,322 donations (65.3%). Tuyishimire encouraged all Rwandans to get tested or donate blood. Blood donation is a great way to learn your blood type and help save lives, Tuyishimire said.
