The San Pedro Regional Blood Transfusion Center (CRTS) recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of Côte d'Ivoire's National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS-CI). From September 29 to October 1, 2026, the center organized various activities to mark the occasion. These included awareness sessions on blood donation, a blood collection drive, and the awarding of honorary diplomas to 43 regular donors. Additionally, five CRTS agents were recognized for their dedication to their work.
The blood collection drive was a significant success, with 357 blood bags collected over the three-day period. This exceeded the target of 350 blood bags set by the CRTS. According to Dr. Sika Marc Asso, Deputy Director of CRTS San Pedro, this brings the total number of blood bags collected by the center in September to 1,357. This is above the monthly target of 1,333 blood bags.
The CRTS San Pedro serves the regions of San Pedro, Gboklè, and Nawa. The center has a monthly target of 1,333 blood bags, which translates to 15,996 blood bags per year. Dr. Asso expressed his gratitude to the donors and encouraged those who are hesitant to donate blood to join the chain of solidarity.
The Union nationale des donneurs de sang bénévoles de Côte d'Ivoire (National Union of Voluntary Blood Donors of Côte d'Ivoire) was established in 1971 to support the CNTS-CI. The union's president, Sidibé Brahima, welcomed measures taken in favor of donors, including an increase in transportation allowances and free medical check-ups for donors.
The Ivoirian transfusion system has undergone significant developments since its inception. From 1951 to 1958, the system was a military-based transfusion medicine during the colonial era. The CNTS was established in 1958, and the system has continued to evolve, with significant expansion and decentralization between 1996 and 2022.
Under the leadership of Pr Sékongo Yassoungui Mamadou, the CNTS-CI is currently undergoing modernization. This includes the construction of a new headquarters, the opening of 20 new centers, and the rehabilitation or upgrading of 26 other structures. The CNTS-CI's mission is to collect blood, verify its quality, and distribute it to healthcare establishments.
The 75th anniversary celebrations highlight the importance of blood donation in Côte d'Ivoire. The CNTS-CI and CRTS San Pedro continue to work towards meeting the country's blood needs. With a growing population and increasing demand for blood, the centers' efforts to encourage voluntary blood donation are crucial.
Key points
- 357 blood bags were collected during the 75th anniversary celebrations of CNTS-CI in San Pedro.
- The CRTS San Pedro has a monthly target of 1,333 blood bags.
- The CNTS-CI is undergoing modernization, including the construction of a new headquarters and the opening of new centers.
