Bridget Lena

On January 28-31, the Red Cross Club and Pharmacy club of USIU-Africa, in collaboration with the Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation, organized a blood drive that saw the university community come together for a noble cause. The event was not just about collecting blood but about raising awareness of sickle cell disease (SCD) and its impact on children who battle this lifelong condition.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, causing red blood cells to become misshapen and sticky. These abnormal cells block blood flow, leading to extreme pain, organ damage, and severe anemia. Children with sickle cell often require frequent blood transfusions to manage these complications and improve their quality of life. However, due to shortages in blood supply, many patients struggle to receive the life-saving treatment they need.

Partnering with the Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation ensured that the drive directly supported these vulnerable children by increasing the availability of safe and compatible blood donations.

Thanks to the generosity of students, faculty, and staff, more than 50 pints of blood were collected during the drive. Each pint has the potential to save up to three lives, and this initiative could positively impact more individuals in need. The drive led more than 150 people to donate blood which helps 600 children affected by sickle cell disease.

While not all donations will go exclusively to sickle cell patients, every pint contributes to the national blood bank, which supplies hospitals treating children and adults with various medical emergencies. Patients with sickle cell disease often require multiple transfusions throughout their lives, and a well-stocked blood supply ensures they receive timely and compatible donations.

The event was a powerful demonstration of the community’s commitment to social responsibility. Volunteers worked tirelessly to register donors, educate participants about the importance of blood donation, and ensure the process ran smoothly. The success of this drive highlights the power of collective action in making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

The Pharmacy Club, Red Cross Club, and the Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who participated. Whether you donated blood, volunteered your time, or helped spread the word, your contribution has brought hope to many. Together, we are saving lives—one drop at a time.