As Rwanda joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Blood Donor Week 2025 recently, one woman’s unwavering commitment to saving lives through regular blood donation stood out – offering an inspiring example for others to follow. Her dedication highlights the urgent need for more regular donors, especially during critical moments when blood is in short supply. Audrine Barahira, 43, a resident of Remera in Gasabo District, shares her journey of blood donation with passion and conviction. For her, giving blood is not just an act of charity – it’s a life-saving commitment. Every year, she donates at least four times, driven by the knowledge of how vital blood can be in emergencies. Through her actions, she hopes to inspire others, especially young people, to understand the importance of giving blood. “I first started donating blood when I was in secondary school,” Barahira recalls. It all began in the year 2000, during a school-based blood drive. She donated again in 2003 but then took a break. After graduating, the desire to continue remained strong. “I had already started donating and wanted to keep going, but I didn’t know where to go,” she explains. It wasn’t until 2008, four years later, that she located a donation center and resumed giving blood. Since then, Barahira has made blood donation a regular part of her life. Every three to four months, regardless of her busy work schedule or frequent travel – she finds time to donate. “If I’m working upcountry and can’t get away easily, I still try to make time. I rush to the nearest donation center whenever I can,” she says. For Barahira, blood donation has become more than a routine – it’s a deeply ingrained habit, driven by compassion and a sense of responsibility. A sister’s health, a family’s hope Barahira’s dedication to blood donation is deeply personal. One of her older sisters became critically ill after childbirth and required multiple blood transfusions to survive. “She eventually recovered,” Barahira recalls. Today, her sister encourages her own children to donate. “They are young men... they may not fully understand, but she tells them: ‘Donate blood – someone once saved me.’” This story reflects a global reality. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 14 million women experience severe bleeding during childbirth each year. In many cases, a prompt blood transfusion is the difference between life and death. Through Barahira’s sister, blood became more than a medical need – it became a symbol of hope. World Blood Donor Day: More than just a day World Blood Donor Day, observed annually on June 14, extends its impact throughout World Blood Donor Week. The 2025 theme, “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives,” emphasises the life-saving power of donors and the importance of strong healthcare systems around the world. WHO reminds us that a single donation can save up to three lives. In Rwanda, the government marked the occasion by honouring both individuals and institutions – from local heroes to international partners. Fifteen national and fifteen institutional awards were presented. The event also spotlighted the innovative use of drone technology to deliver blood to remote areas, symbolising Rwanda’s forward-thinking approach. ALSO READ: Rwanda unveils four initiatives to end blood expiry by 2027 Barahira’s contributions aren’t tied to ceremony or recognition. Instead, she plays a quiet but essential role in this national effort through her consistent and heartfelt donations. Rwanda’s strategy: Strengthening the system for donors Barahira donates blood within a healthcare system that continues to evolve to meet ambitious national targets. Since 2011, Rwanda’s Blood Transfusion Division (BTD), under the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), has worked to ensure a safe, reliable, and adequate blood supply. It currently operates through five regional centers and a cornea banking unit. In 2024, RBC collected over 92,000 units of blood – an increase from 86,812 in 2023. Despite this progress, Rwanda, with a population of over 13 million, remains below the WHO-recommended donation rate of 1 per cent of the population (approximately 130,000 units annually). However, critical advancements are being made. A centralised digital blood bank platform now connects all district hospitals, improving donor scheduling and blood transfers between facilities. Zipline-operated drones continue to play a vital role in transporting blood swiftly to remote health centers. RBC has reaffirmed its goal of achieving 100 per cent hospital coverage and meeting national blood demand through regular voluntary donations. ALSO READ: World Blood Donor Day marked with call to young people to donate more Thanks to these developments, every time Barahira donates, her blood reaches those in need quickly, safely, and equitably – embodying the spirit of shared hope and life-saving solidarity. Donation as compassion and responsibility For Barahira, donating blood is more than a medical act, it’s a gesture of solidarity. “Once blood is taken, the body naturally regenerates it,” she says. “It doesn’t disrupt your routine.” After each donation, she’s offered soda, milk, or a light snack, then she continues with her day. No fuss, no delay – just steady recovery. However, she acknowledges that women face temporary pauses in eligibility due to pregnancy, menstruation, or breastfeeding. “That’s why some donate less often... but once you make it a habit, you don’t stop,” she smiles. Barahira also shares a warning for young people: “Stay away from drugs. They contaminate your blood and make it unusable.”For her, healthy living isn’t just about self-care, it’s preparation to give life to others. It’s advice born from purpose. A national campaign that reflects her story Barahira’s message resonates with national awareness efforts, especially during World Blood Donor Week. In 2025, celebrations took place in Musanze District, where the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) deployed mobile donation units to make giving more accessible. Eligibility criteria were clearly outlined: donors must be between 18 and 60 years old, weigh at least 50kg, be in good health on the day of donation, and meet standard hemoglobin levels. In his speech, Dr. Thomas Muyombo, Head of the Blood Transfusion Division at RBC, praised the dedication of blood donors. He announced that Rwanda met 99.72 per cent of its national blood needs in 2024. “Blood can save your life, or that of someone you love,” he said. “It’s the one medicine doctors request when no other solution exists. That’s why it must always be available.” Dr. Muyombo also recognised the government’s continued support in ensuring smooth and equitable blood service delivery. He encouraged more citizens to become donors, reinforcing the national slogan: “Give blood, give hope. Together, let’s save lives.” ALSO READ: RBC issues critical appeal for type-O blood donations Barahira’s steady contributions are the very embodiment of what these campaigns aim to nurture: informed, regular donors embedded in a culture of innovation and care. Beyond red cells: A gift of social capital “When you donate, your whole family benefits,” Barahira explains. “One donation can help others, and maybe you’ll need it one day too.” She speaks from experience, recalling her sister’s struggle that blood donation helped ease. For her, donating is both healing and a form of preventive insurance. Her belief echoes the World Health Organisation’s message: Safe blood saves lives. A single donation can save up to three people. Barahira is living proof of this philosophy – she gives not out of expectation, but with hope that someone else would do the same if needed. A lifesaving impact What makes Barahira’s story compelling is not just her compassion, but how her actions align with Rwanda’s nationally coordinated, globally recognised blood strategy. The country has invested in a highly efficient, technology-driven blood system. Centralised services, innovative delivery methods like drones, and targeted campaigns, especially among the youth – are all part of a holistic effort to meet urgent needs related to childbirth, cancer, trauma, malaria, and other emergencies. Barahira’s consistent donations stand as a model for others, especially those who may never have considered donating. As World Blood Donor Week concludes, she delivers a heartfelt appeal: “Donate blood. Someone once saved my sister – you could save someone too. Don’t wait for tomorrow.” Her message is a powerful reminder: health is interdependent, and recovery often depends on the unseen generosity of others. Every unit donated moves Rwanda closer to its 2025 goal of meeting 100 per cent of national blood needs, and strengthens global solidarity in the process. Blood as a human connection Barahira’s steady donations, and the lives they help save – represent a deeply human connection. She believes that every donation offers more than just red blood cells: it embodies solidarity, compassion, foresight, and a sense of family care. For Barahira, donating blood is a powerful call to action—one she hopes everyone will answer. Rwanda’s approach to blood donation, anchored in quality systems, accreditation, technology, and a focus on youth – provides a remarkable foundation. But as Barahira notes, success depends on people stepping up. It’s when policy meets passion that lives are truly saved. During World Blood Donor Week, all eligible individuals are encouraged to consider making regular, voluntary, unpaid donations – just as Barahira does. One woman, many lifelines Barahira has donated hundreds of units of life-saving blood. She may be one person, but she represents many lifelines: daughter, sister, mother, and advocate. Her message is clear – anyone can become a lifeline. Her story reveals a truth that transcends statistics: blood is human, systems are built by humans, and giving is a deeply human act. With every donation, Barahira sends a powerful reminder to the public: we save lives together, even if we give alone. What would make her happiest, she says, is to see young people embrace blood donation. For her, it’s not just about saving lives – it’s about nurturing responsibility and building a culture of care.
