In the serene landscapes of Bungoma, a region graced with beauty, life, and vibrant communities, a silent yet profound crisis loomed—a crisis that often struck at the very heart of joy: motherhood. The absence of a fully functional blood transfusion center cast a haunting shadow over childbirth, leading to heart-wrenching losses and traumatic scenes. Many mothers succumbed due to the scarcity of life-saving blood during delivery. The nearest centers in Eldoret or Kisumu stood as distant beacons of hope, inaccessible in critical moments.

It was within this poignant backdrop that the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Network took up the mantle of advocacy, determined to rewrite this tragic narrative. The year was 2017 when the seeds of change were sown, a vision to safeguard maternal health by ensuring prompt access to blood transfusion services within Bungoma’s embrace.

Years of unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy finally bore fruit in April 2022. The first pivotal step materialized as a blood satellite was established at Bungoma County Referral Hospital. A monumental leap towards the realization of a fully operational blood transfusion center.

But the journey was far from over. It demanded not just intentions but financial commitment. The RMNCAH Network, in collaboration with key stakeholders, earmarked a substantial budget of Ksh 30,000,000 for projects in the financial year 2023/2024. This commitment echoed the collective resolve to materialize the vision—a center that would not only offer blood transfusion services but also encompass a holistic approach to maternal and child health. The recent 2023 Annual Work Plan (AWP) further underscored the commitment of the county, setting aside a staggering 16 million towards the establishment and development of the blood donor center.

The dawn of April 2022 brought forth another milestone—the groundbreaking ceremony initiated by the County Government of Bungoma for the new blood bank center. This marked a pivotal moment, symbolizing a joint commitment to elevate healthcare services and save countless lives.

Once operational, the center promises a transformative impact. Its spacious infrastructure will cater not only to blood transfusions but also to antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care services. Three state-of-the-art theaters, a Modern Newborn Unit (NBU), Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), and an advanced Blood Transfusion Bench will be the cornerstones of this life-saving facility. A true game-changer in the realm of maternal healthcare.

This success story stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and persistence. The efforts of E4A MamaYe, offering unwavering technical assistance to the RMNCAH Network’s advocacy, coupled with the spirit of partnership from various stakeholders, especially the County Government of Bungoma, have steered this vision towards reality.

In the heart of Bungoma, where life’s rhythm beats strong, a new chapter unfolds—a chapter where mothers can embrace childbirth with hope, knowing that a beacon of life stands tall in the form of a comprehensive blood transfusion center, ready to safeguard the gift of life, one precious drop at a time.

The journey to establish a blood transfusion center in Bungoma has been marked by milestones and unwavering determination. As the center nears its full operational capacity, it represents more than just a facility; it embodies hope, resilience, and the promise of saving countless lives. It stands as a testament to what collaboration, advocacy, and visionary leadership can achieve in transforming healthcare for mothers and newborns, fostering a brighter and healthier future for the entire community.