RDF and RBC launch blood donation exercise

Kigali, 21 February 2020

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) have today started an annual blood donation exercise. The RDF General Headquarters in Kanombe was the launch pad for the blood donation exercise and 250 blood units were collected today.

Alexia Mukamazimpaka, in Charge of Mobilisation in the National Centre for Blood Transfusion Division under RBC disclosed that they are motivated by the RDF role model that leads the community in blood donation exercise.

“The RDF sets a good example, it serves as a role model for the rest of the Rwandan community, it’s a good signal and strong message that donating blood should be everyone's responsibility”, she explained before adding “RDF is a loyal partner in this exercise. We have been collecting blood two or three times a year from the military since 2013.”

Maj Gen Augustin Turagara, the Commandant of the RDF General Headquarters, underlines that military understands well the essence of donating blood to save lives.  “We are ever ready to give blood to save lives; it’s part of our mission to save life”.
The blood donation campaign, which kicked off on 21 February, will end on 3 April 2020 after collecting blood units from different RDF units and formations.