•Charlene said her focus will be on rallying the young people to embrace the culture of donating blood and in turn replenish the country’s stocks
•This, she said will be done through visiting universities, high schools and other institutions across the country to ensure the youth donate blood and save lives
Image: HANDOUT
First daughter Charlene Ruto has outlined her agenda as one of the country’s blood ambassadors.
Speaking on Monday, Charlene said her focus will be on rallying the young people to embrace the culture of donating blood and in turn replenish the country’s stocks.
This, she said will be done through visiting universities, high schools and other institutions across the country to ensure the youth donate blood and save lives.
Charlene was speaking during the flag-off of blood bags and other essential supplies to regional blood centres and 43 blood satellites at the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Service (KBTTS).
Charlene acknowledged that the young people comprise 70 per cent of the country’s population and hence have a huge potential to contribute the majority of the blood needs.
“All the blood ambassadors have different strengths; the strength I bring to the table is my capacity with the young people of Kenya and not just of Kenya but of Africa,” she said.
“We are 70 per cent of our population and our mean age is about 19.5 so these are the same people I am going to be calling out. We are going to go to the universities, high schools and different institutions because as young people if we don’t lead this course then it is going to fail."
She added:
“I know we have our fears getting to know your status, getting to know whether you are okay. But as young people, if we can live healthy lifestyles we can save the lives our our mothers, brothers, or a young child somewhere,” she added.
She noted that blood donation is important as there are different situations and emergencies like the recent incident in Embakasi which will require blood during the treatment process.
Cancer patients and Kenyans who have severe bleeding disorders need to keep rejuvenated with blood, she said.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha appointed Charlene Kenya Blood Ambassador.
Nakhumicha in a letter dated December 14, 2023, acknowledged Charlene's contribution in blood donation.
Charlene was also appreciated for her efforts to mobilise resources and support blood donation activities.
Other blood ambassadors include Kenya’s top male and female donors Kennedy Sanya and Aisha Dafalla and former Bungoma First Lady Caroline Wangamati.