Kindu blood transfusion center faces critical shortage, impacting hospitals

The provincial blood transfusion center in Kindu, located in the Maniema province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is facing a severe shortage, with no blood bags currently in stock. Dr. Jean Buredi, the center's coordinator, issued an alert on Saturday, June 13, 2026, highlighting the critical impact on local healthcare facilities.

Hospitals and health centers that depend on this center for blood are now struggling to provide essential services. In some cases, healthcare facilities lacking proper authorization are forced to perform transfusions without adequate blood supplies, attempting to save lives under dire circumstances. Dr. Buredi emphasized the irreplaceable nature of blood and urgently called upon authorities to replenish the center's stock to prevent further loss of life.

This critical stockout has persisted since February, a duration considered highly problematic for a blood transfusion service. Dr. Buredi explained that the shortage stems from a lack of necessary inputs for blood qualification, including reagents, blood bags, and citrate sachets used for preservation. Compounding this issue is a significant lack of financial resources needed to organize volunteer blood donor drives.

Dr. Constantin Mwemedi from Afia Ndjema General Hospital described the difficult measures taken when a patient requires a transfusion. Families are asked to find a donor themselves. After laboratory tests, the transfusion can proceed. However, he lamented that this is not the standard procedure, as hospitals should be able to obtain blood directly from the transfusion center. The Kindu center is responsible for supplying four healthcare facilities within the province.