Dr. Muyombo Thomas, the director of the Blood Donation Department at Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), shared critical insights during MTN Rwanda's 'Y’ello Care' program closure. Some individuals, he explained, are restricted from donating blood due to age, health conditions, or specific personal circumstances.
When asked about eligibility restrictions, Dr. Muyombo stated: “Yes. People who are too young and haven't reached the legal age for decision-making, those currently ill, or individuals with chronic diseases are disqualified. Chronic illnesses include both infectious and non-infectious conditions.”
Specifically, people with diseases such as HIV/AIDS, syphilis, heart disease, abnormal blood pressure (too high or too low), kidney issues, diabetes, epilepsy, mental disorders, asthma, hepatitis (types B or C, among others) are deemed ineligible to donate blood.
Dr. Muyombo further added: “Blood donation decisions focus on health assessment. Though these illnesses may not spread through blood, individuals with compromised health cannot donate due to risks to their own well-being and the integrity of the blood supply.”
Other non-qualifying groups include pregnant women (until their babies are over a year old) and women currently menstruating.
On tattooed individuals, Dr. Muyombo clarified eligibility: "Donors with tattoos can only donate six months after receiving their tattoo. Tattoo procedures involve needles, which pose risks like bacteria contamination in the bloodstream. Donors must wait for their body to clear such bacteria before qualifying."
He also compared tattoos to post-dental surgery risks: “Tooth extractions may introduce mouth bacteria into the bloodstream, which could harm a hospital patient with weakened immunity. Such scenarios render donors temporarily ineligible.”
Dr. Muyombo emphasized guidelines prohibiting donations in situations involving fresh injuries, dental extractions, or recent tattoos to maintain patient safety during transfusions.
Rwanda's blood donation initiative thrives, meeting over 99.7% hospital demand. He expressed thanks to Rwandans and resident foreigners for their contributions, noting that 60% of donations come from individuals below age 35, predominantly men, due to fewer physiological restrictions.
Experts recommend waiting 56 days (about eight weeks) post-donation to enable the body to regenerate vital blood components effectively.
Blood consists of three major components: platelets for clotting, red blood cells that transport oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, and white blood cells, which guard against infections and act as part of the immune system.
The less commonly used plasma plays an essential role in saving individuals suffering fluid loss, burns, and other trauma, making its availability critical.
Innovative methods like 'apheresis' allow donors to give targeted blood elements while keeping the rest. For instance, platelet donors can donate twice a month (up to 24 times annually) since platelets regenerate faster than red blood cells.
Plasma recovery takes 24-48 hours, platelets regenerate within 3-5 days, while red blood cells need up to eight weeks. Donating whole blood requires a 56-day waiting period to ensure safe regeneration.
Apheresis also helps collect specific blood components most urgently needed by hospitals.
To qualify as donors, individuals must maintain good health, avoid risky practices, fit within the age range of 18-60 years, and weigh at least 50 kilograms.
Apheresis donors undergo screenings to confirm hemoglobin levels of at least 12.5 grams per deciliter, ensuring enough red blood cells for donation.
Blood donation campaigns save millions globally, with over 85 million red blood units given annually. Other elements like white blood cells, platelets, and plasma offer life-saving solutions in emergencies.
WHO data highlights over 118.5 million worldwide blood donation sessions annually.
Rwanda established its blood donation framework in 1976, following WHO mandates for national programs. It evolved into a formal RBC division in 2011 under law number 54/2010, enacted on January 25, 2011.
Dr. Muyombo Thomas, RBC blood donation head, explains restrictions for donor eligibility and opportunities for reevaluation and approval.
Youth and men dominate blood donations in Rwanda, filling critical supply gaps.
Donating blood is not just for emergencies—it’s a proactive way to save lives for yourself and others.