Senegal is preparing to go through a critical period in terms of blood collection, coinciding with the Ramadan and the Carême expected in March next. These two periods of fasting, which will begin almost simultaneously this year, are likely to lead to a significant decrease in blood donations, aggravating a situation already worrying. According to Professor Saliou Diop, Director of the National Centre for Blood Transfusion (CNTS), Senegal needs 170 000 blood bags annually to cover its national needs. However, in 2021, only 110 000 bags could be collected. This persistent deficit has put at risk the care of patients requiring transfusions, particularly women suffering from postpartum haemorrhages, anaemic children and victims of accidents or chronic diseases. The CNTS, which is responsible for the collection, processing and distribution of blood products, must regularly launch appeals for donations to fill these gaps. Or, this year, the overlap of Muslim and Christian fasting periods further complicates the situation. Traditionally, during the Ramadan, the Catholics took the lead in organizing blood collections.
Pénurie de sang au Sénégal: a double threat with the Ramadan and the Carême
