Policy Advocacy and Thought Leadership

Policy, Advocacy and Thought Leadership |

CoBA is leading advocacy efforts to drive policy change and strengthen blood safety in Africa. By engaging policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders, we advocate for sustainable, evidence-based policies that ensure a safe, accessible, and quality blood supply. As a thought leader, CoBA fosters collaboration, provides expert insights, and influences key decisions to build a resilient blood ecosystem across the continent.

External Events

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High Level Meetings

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Countries

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Webinar

Why the Need for Blood Transfusion in Malaria Management Is Critical

Severe malaria-induced anaemia is a major cause of mortality in Africa, yet access to safe blood remains inadequate. CoBA hosted this webinar to:

- Bring attention to the overlooked role of blood transfusion in malaria management.
- Push for policy reforms that prioritize safe blood access.
- Foster collaboration between key stakeholders, including governments, private sector partners, and health institutions.
- Drive innovation by showcasing AI-driven diagnostics and rural blood supply solutions.

Shifted the narrative

The webinar successfully placed blood transfusion on the agenda of malaria management discussions.

Catalyzed action

Discussions from the webinar have informed ongoing advocacy efforts and partnerships aimed at improving blood access.

Engaged decision-makers

Policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry players participated, opening doors for policy changes.

Call to Action

Inspired advocacy efforts and national campaigns to drive blood collection and accessibility.

Symposium

Empowering Youth to Champion Blood Access in Africa - Youth Symposium (June 19, 2024)

To mobilize youth in blood donation advocacy, CoBA hosted the Youth Symposium on June 19, 2024 at Strathmore University, Nairobi. The event brought together 88 youth leaders to discuss innovative solutions and policy engagement.

Strategies Developed

Expanding school-based education to normalize voluntary blood donation.

Leveraging social media and public events like Damu Festival to dispel misconceptions.

Advocating for mobile blood units to improve access in remote areas.

Encouraging incentives such as health check-ups and awards to sustain donation efforts.

Impact

Raised awareness on the role of youth in tackling blood shortages.

Strengthened policy and advocacy, emphasizing transparent government funding for blood programs.

Advancing Policy for Sickle Cell Disease Care and Blood Access

Africa’s ongoing blood shortage continues to put millions of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients at risk. In 2024, CoBA actively engaged in policy advocacy to strengthen national blood systems and promote sustainable government investment in blood services.

of 120M global SCD cases are in Africa

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of affected children die before age 5

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die undiagnosed before age 5 in sub- Saharan Africa

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children born with SCD annually in Kenya

people in Kenya live with haemophilia and require specialized care