Togo addresses seasonal blood shortages and supply chain fragility

Togo is facing seasonal blood shortages, particularly between May and September. The shortage is driven by an increase in malaria cases, which raises transfusion needs, alongside a decrease in donors due to school and university holidays.

To address this, the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) has launched the ‘August Solidarity’ campaign. Health Minister Jean-Marie Koffi Ewonoule Tessi has called for sustained donor mobilization to ensure reserves remain stable beyond the immediate emergency. Additionally, the Ministry of Health is planning a reorganization of blood product distribution to prioritize delivery through hospital-based blood banks to improve patient access.