# Taiwan blood and stem cell supply shortages

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/taiwan-blood-and-stem-cell-supply-shortages
> Updated: 2026-08-31T07:19:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In late August 2026, southern Taiwan faced a critical blood shortage, with stocks in the Kaohsiung region falling to approximately 3.7 days. The shortage was particularly acute for Type A, AB, and O blood types. Officials attributed the decline in donations to heavy rainfall and flooding caused by a low-pressure zone and southwest monsoon, which hindered public mobility and transportation.

In response, medical and civic organizations launched several initiatives to bolster supplies. In central Taiwan, Changhua Christian Hospital and the Taichung Blood Donation Center initiated drives to address critical Type O shortages. To improve long-term registration, the Tzu Chi Bone Marrow Center began pilot testing a non-invasive buccal swab method for DNA collection. Additionally, Lions Clubs International District 300C-1 announced a community project aiming to host 85 donation events to collect 17,000 bags of blood over the coming year.

## Claims

- Tzu Chi Bone Marrow Center plans to implement a non-invasive buccal swab registration method starting next year. (single source)
- Tzu Chi Bone Marrow Center conducted a pilot test of the buccal swab method with 20 samples at Tianmu Baseball Stadium. (single source)
- Changhua Christian Hospital launched a blood donation mobilization drive due to low blood supplies in central Taiwan. (single source)
- The Taichung Blood Donation Center reported critical shortages of Type O blood. (single source)
- Lions Clubs International District 300C-1 aims to collect 17,000 bags of blood through 85 events over the next year. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Taiwan medical groups launch initiatives to boost blood and stem cell supplies

Taiwanese organizations are addressing blood and stem cell shortages through new technologies, such as non-invasive buccal swab testing, and large-scale community donation drives.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/taiwan-medical-groups-launch-initiatives-to-boost-blood-and-stem-cell-supplies

### 2026-08-25: Kaohsiung Blood Center warns of critical blood shortage in southern Taiwan

Southern Taiwan faces a critical blood shortage, with stocks dropping to 3.7 days due to heavy rainfall reducing donations. Type O, A, and AB supplies are particularly low.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kaohsiung-blood-center-warns-of-critical-blood-shortage-in-southern-taiwan

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Cite as: Taiwan blood and stem cell supply shortages. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/taiwan-blood-and-stem-cell-supply-shortages