Somali National Blood Bank Inaugurated in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, Somalia – August 5, 2023 – The Somali National Blood Bank was inaugurated today in Mogadishu by the Somali Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, with the support of the United Nations and the Government of Somalia. The blood bank is a collaborative effort by the Government of Somalia, UNOPS, UNFPA, and WHO.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre commended the partnership between the Ministry of Health and UNFPA in establishing a national blood bank. He said that the government is committed to improving the health and well-being of all Somalis, and that the blood bank is a major milestone in their efforts to provide safe and reliable blood products to those in need. He also requested the support of the international community to operationalize the facility.
The blood bank, which is located at Banadir Hospital, has a capacity to store 10,000 units of donated blood at any given time. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for screening, preparation, and secure storage of blood and blood products to ensure safety and quality. “The blood bank project is a testament to our commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Somalia, ensuring timely and safe blood transfusions to those that need it, thus improving medical services for the people of Somalia” said Ala’a NEMER, Country Director of UNOPS in Somalia.
Country Representative UNFPA Niyi Ojuolape acknowledged the strong partnership between the United Nations and the Government of Somalia, and said: “The construction of the Somali National Blood Bank is a sign of our shared commitment to improving the health of the Somali people. We are confident that this blood bank will save lives and improve the health of many people in Somalia.” The Minister of Health and Human Service of the Federal Government of Somalia, Dr. Ali Haji Aden, expressed gratitude to the United Nations and donors for their support in making the blood bank a reality. “After 30 years, we finally have a national blood bank that can address the blood needs of anemic women, women with postpartum hemorrhage, anemic children, and trauma patients. We will do our best to ensure that safe blood is available to the Somali people,” he said.
The inaugural ceremony was followed by the dignitaries visiting the premises of the National Blood Bank and donating blood.