Young people aged between 18 and 35 make up the majority of blood donors in Rwanda, accounting for 78% of all donations nationwide, according to the Blood Transfusion Service.
Officials say the strong participation of youth is the result of targeted strategies aimed at encouraging younger people to donate blood, as they are more likely to remain eligible donors over a longer period.
“From 18 to 35 years old, they account for 78% of blood donors,” a senior official said.
Health experts note that blood donation eligibility can be affected by both blood-borne infections and non-communicable diseases, which become more common with age.
The minimum age for blood donation is 18 years, while the upper limit is 60 for first-time donors and 65 for regular donors, provided donors remain medically fit.
Health officials emphasize that the system prioritizes retaining regular, healthy donors over constantly recruiting new ones, citing safety and efficiency in blood collection.
“Instead of collecting blood from people whose health status is unknown, we focus on young, healthy individuals without underlying conditions, so we can retain them as regular donors,” an official added.
Data shows that first-time donors account for less than 23% of annual blood donations in Rwanda, while repeat donors make up more than 78%, a trend health authorities describe as positive for sustaining a safe and stable blood supply.
Health officials are urging young people to maintain healthy lifestyles and avoid drug abuse, smoking, and other harmful behaviors to ensure a reliable blood supply that can help save lives.
