Lesotho increases blood collection by 70% between 2017 and 2024

Lesotho is making steady progress in blood donation. Between 2017 and 2024, the collection of blood units grew by 70%, rising from 5,583 to 9,411 units. In 2024, 165 mobile blood drives were held. These visits to schools, communities, and businesses bring donation opportunities closer to people. This national effort strengthens the healthcare system and saves lives. The need for blood remains high. Each week, about 180 units are collected, and all are used within two days. The country requires at least 10,000 units annually to cover emergencies, complicated births, accidents, and diseases like cancer. Without blood, medical care becomes difficult.

The Senkatana Oncology Clinic in Maseru is a key center. There, between 1 and 1.3 liters of blood are used daily. On critical days, available blood is not enough for all patients. In those moments, the solidarity of donors is vital. A 48-year-old woman with cervical cancer arrived with severe bleeding. Her life was in danger. She received an urgent transfusion. The blood saved her. “The blood gave me life,” she said afterward. Her recovery deeply moved her family, and four of her relatives decided to donate blood.

Rwanda combines youth innovation and circular economy to build a resilient nation

The Ministry of Health continuously promotes campaigns. The World Health Organization supports with resources and guidance. Donation centers are also being improved, and safety controls strengthened to prevent transfusion risks. The Director of Laboratory Services thanks donors, calling them “true heroes.” Each donor brings hope and life. Lesotho is not only improving its internal health but also becoming a model for Africa. The combination of mobile campaigns and community education inspires other countries to replicate the initiative.

Mpho, a regular donor in Maseru, has O negative blood, the universal donor type. She started donating in high school and has never stopped. Her blood helped save the life of a woman who needed an emergency cesarean section. Both mother and child are alive thanks to her.

Every June 14th, World Blood Donor Day is celebrated. It is a day to recognize those who donate without expecting anything in return, and to remind everyone that the need for blood never stops. Lesotho works to ensure no hospital runs out of blood and aims to encourage more people to join this silent network of solidarity — a network that saves thousands of lives every day.