Goma, 21 June 2011 – A blood collection for the population of Kiwanja was organized by UN peacekeepers on 18 June. Kiwanja is a town located in the war-ravaged territory of Rutshuru, which borders Uganda and Rwanda, in the province of Nord Kivu. The lingering conflict in the area took a heavy toll on this town by further reducing its already-limited health infrastructures, and living several people dead. As many as 60 peacekeepers took part in this blood donation, initiated by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

Rutshuru hospital still remains the only viable health facility, which can provide treatment for the population in this town and its surroundings. However, when the need for blood arises, the medical staff has to turn to the town of Goma, which is better equipped. In cases of emergency, Rutshuru hospital could never count on the local population to provide blood due to the high level of malnutrition, and the large number of people affected by other deficiencies, making them non-eligible for blood donation.

A blood bank has recently opened in Rutshuru, and with the help of the peacekeepers, could become a full-fledged bank.

Today's blood donation was organized at MONUSCO's level-I hospital in Kiwanja. To help this blood bank, which is still in its initial stages, the peacekeepers have decided to repeat this exercise on a regular basis.

Sylvestre Kilolo/ Radio Okapi/ MONUSCO