Improving blood donation and transfusion services in Kenya
Official title: Pathways for innovation in Blood Transfusión Systems in Kenya (PITS Kenya)
Funded at Strathmore University · NIH-11400902 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project works to make blood donation and transfusion safer and more available for people across Kenya who need blood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Strathmore University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nairobi, Kenya) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $168,152 |
| NIH project number | 3UH3HL151595-06S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400902 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants include people in Kenya who need transfusions (for example, women with postpartum hemorrhage, children with severe malaria, or people with sickle cell disease), as well as potential blood donors and healthcare workers involved in transfusion services.
✕Less likely to help
People who live outside Kenya or who do not need blood transfusions are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the team is mapping how blood moves from donors to hospitals across urban and rural Kenya and trying practical fixes where the system breaks down. They are partnering with the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service, Strathmore University, and the University of Pittsburgh to test changes in donor recruitment, blood screening, storage, and transport. The project will run pilots in multiple sites and collect data on supply, safety, and timeliness. Patients, donors, and healthcare staff may be asked to take part in surveys or pilot activities as the team rolls out improvements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could increase the supply of safe blood and reduce deaths from bleeding, malaria-related anemia, and sickle cell crises in Kenya.
How similar studies have gone: Some elements like community donor drives and improved storage have helped in other countries, but this comprehensive systems approach tailored to Kenya is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
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Strathmore University
Nairobi, Kenya Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kivuli, Tecla Chelagat — Strathmore University
- Study coordinator: Kivuli, Tecla Chelagat
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving blood donation and transfusion in Kenya
Testing ways to collect, test, and deliver more safe donated blood for patients across Kenya.
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Improving blood transfusion systems in Kenya
This study is working to improve the way blood is collected and delivered in Kenya, so that patients can get the safe blood they need, especially in both cities and rural areas.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.