Two voluntary donors giving blood at a campaign drive in Tanzania, holding placards reading “Asante kwa kuwa mchangiaji wa hiyari”, “Mimi Ni Mchangia Damu Wa Hiyari” and “Hamasisha, Okoa maisha”.
Join Us for Better than Gold Campaign
this September through blood donation and raising funds for vulnerable people living with sickle cell disease to access life-changing Red Blood Cell Exchange therapy.
Give Blood, Give Life
Why This Campaign Matters
For someone living with sickle cell disease, blood can be a lifeline.
Blood transfusion is an important, life-saving part of sickle cell care — in severe anaemia, acute chest syndrome, and stroke prevention and treatment. Yet many health facilities continue to struggle to maintain adequate supplies of safe blood.
The treatment gap
What Is Red Blood Cell Exchange (RBCx) Therapy?
Red Blood Cell Exchange (RBCx) is a procedure that removes some of a patient’s sickled red blood cells and replaces them with healthy donor red blood cells. For eligible patients, RBCx can form an important part of managing serious SCD complications and reducing the impact of sickled cells.
RBCx is an expensive treatment and is currently not covered under Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Access is further limited by the availability of the service, with only a few public health facilities able to provide it.
Before you donate
Am I Eligible to Donate?
According to The World Health Organization, to donate blood you need to meet the following criteria. Every donor is screened on site first — and that assessment is free.
Age
16 – 64 years
Weight
At least 50 kg (women) · minimum 55 kg (men)
Medication
You must not be under any medication.
Recent vaccination
You must not have been vaccinated in the recent past.
Women
Donation is not allowed during your menstrual period, or while pregnant or breastfeeding.
General health
Donors must be in good health and free from chronic or long term conditions.
Recent blood or surgery
You must not have a recent history of receiving blood or undergoing surgery.
Between donations
Men: after 3 months · Women: after 4 months
Pre-donation assessment
You must be able to pass the physical and health-history assessments carried out before donation — a review of your medical history, vital signs (blood pressure, temperature and pulse), pregnancy, age and weight.
Free of chargeCriteria as published by the Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority. If you are unsure whether you can donate, speak to the team at your donation centre — the pre-donation assessment is free and will confirm your eligibility on the day.
Get involved
Ways to Make a Difference
Host a blood drive, fund a red blood cell exchange, or share the campaign across East Africa and beyond.
Host a Blood Drive
Bring your workplace, school, congregation or community together and help increase the availability of safe blood for people living with SCD and other patients who depend on transfusion. Our team will help you plan it.
Fund Red Blood Cell Exchange
Your financial contribution can help vulnerable people living with SCD access Red Blood Cell Exchange. Help make life-saving treatment more accessible.
Donate now
East Africa — MPESA
0352234400 Account Number:
BONE AND BLOOD FOUNDATION
Share the Campaign
Spread the word so more people know that blood can be a lifeline for someone living with sickle cell disease.
Cell Organisation
Foundation
Give Blood, Give Life
Africa Sickle Cell Organisation & Bone and Blood Foundation · Kenya & Tanzania
A joint September campaign by Africa Sickle Cell Organisation (ASCO) and Bone and Blood Foundation (BBF), across Kenya and Tanzania.