Denis Oduor: Shaping the Future of Transfusion Medicine at Terumo BCT Africa Hackathon 2026
Denis Oduor, Nairobi County Blood Services Coordinator at Nairobi City County, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Terumo BCT Africa Hackathon 2026: Panel Discussions
Good morning, colleagues, innovators and partners.
It is an honour to be part of the Terumo BCT Africa Hackathon 2026.
As a frontline County Blood Services Coordinator, I bring the practical realities of blood transfusion services, particularly the challenges of blood collection, processing, storage, distribution and availability.
In Nairobi County, our estimated annual blood requirement is approximately 70,000 units, against an annual collection target of 43,971 units. This highlights the need for innovative and sustainable approaches to strengthen blood security.
Through county satellite blood collection centres and initiatives such as Bringing Blood Closer, we are expanding access to voluntary blood donation. However, challenges remain in equipment, reagents, transportation, cold-chain management, digital systems and blood inventory distribution.
I believe innovation should focus on five key areas:
- Digital donor recruitment, retention and mobilisation.
- Smart blood inventory and real-time stock monitoring.
- Automation of blood processing and component preparation.
- AI-driven forecasting of blood demand and shortages.
- Integrated systems connecting blood establishments with hospitals.
Our experience with Terumo BCT’s Reveos technology demonstrates the potential of automation in improving blood component processing.
My challenge to innovators is simple: Let us move beyond developing technology for technology’s sake. Let us develop solutions that address real challenges in African blood services.
Imagine a system where hospitals can identify available blood components in real time, predict shortages, track distribution and ensure patients receive blood when they need it.
Ultimately, our goal is not merely to collect more blood, but to maximise every donation and save more lives.
Blood should not wait. Innovation should not wait. Patients certainly cannot wait.
Thank you:
- Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies
- Coalition of Blood for Africa – CoBA
- Antoinette Gawin
- Dr. Hiram Mwangi
- Nathan M.“
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