Firemen fight a blaze following a series of explosions in the Embakasi area of Nairobi, Kenya, on February 2, 2024. Photo: Luis Tato / AFP
The Ministry of Health has set up three blood donation and transfusion centres in Nairobi to help victims of the Thursday night gas explosion in Embakasi where at least three people have so far been confirmed dead and nearly 300 others left injured.
The ministry, through the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS), announced that the centres have been set up at the Mama Lucy Hospital, Nairobi Region Blood Transfusion Centre (RBTC), and the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Helipad Square.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, in a statement to newsrooms, said that the above mentioned facilities are presently on high alert to respond to the needs of any casualties of the incident.
“Hospitals are encouraged to collect blood and blood components directly from the said facilities. Nairobi RBTC has enough blood components especially fresh frozen plasma (FFP) that will aid in the care of burn victims,” stated PS Kimtai.
“KNBTS has also activated its blood centres countrywide to send blood promptly to the Nairobi RBTC for immediate dispatch to affected hospitals.”
The PS urged willing members of the public to also visit the aforesaid facilities to donate blood in order to bolster the supply.
He further stated that those outside Nairobi can also donate blood at any of the KNBTS centres countrywide.
