### Blood donation campaign in North Kivu: an act of solidarity in times of crisis
The blood donation campaign launched on April 9 by the provincial authority of North Kivu, in collaboration with the provincial division of Health, highlights an urgent problem: the need for human solidarity in a context of war. While local health structures face an increasing demand for blood due to the increasingly complex security situation, this call for donations has a dimension that is both urgent and vital.
#### Regional context: a difficult situation
North Kivu, the Eastern Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been the theater of armed conflicts for several decades, with direct consequences on public health. According to Dr. Michel Tosalisana, chief doctor of the Beni health zone, blood needs during a war are exponential in relation to a period of peace. This phenomenon is not unprecedented; It illustrates how armed crises directly affect the health of populations by increasing the number of injured and disrupting access to care.
It is essential to consider that this donation campaign is part of an environment where insecurity and population travel is frequent. Thousands of people are moved each year, which further complicates access to health care. Incitations to give blood are also a way of reminding the inhabitants the importance of a strong and resilient community, capable of supporting each other in moments of crisis.
#### Crucial mobilization
Governor’s adviser, Prisca Kamala, called the inhabitants of Beni, Butembo, and surrounding territories to respond positively to this call. This type of community mobilization is crucial in a context where medical needs often exceed supply capacities. Blood donors play an essential role, not only by offering an immediate and vital service, but also by arousing a feeling of camaraderie and collective responsibility.
Blood donation campaigns, in addition to contributing to the survival of many patients, can also strengthen the social fabric of the region. By encouraging individuals to unite for a common cause, they create a space where empathy and solidarity take precedence over fear and division.
#### Challenges to overcome
However, this initiative should not hide the challenges that remain. Despite laudable efforts to organize this campaign, there are questions concerning logistics, organization and awareness. The targeted populations are often marked by a distrust of institutions, reinforced by years of instability. In addition, awareness of the challenges of blood donation must be deepened to guarantee successful mobilization. How to encourage those who still hesitate to go to the provincial blood transfusion center to change their perception and take the plunge?
Similar initiatives have succeeded elsewhere by integrating testimonies from beneficiaries, by highlighting human stories rather than abstract calls. This could be an effective way to strengthen membership in this campaign, making blood donation more personal and accessible.
#### Consider the future
The blood donation campaign in North Kivu represents much more than a simple medical act; It is a reflection of a community that seeks to get up and to face adversity. Beyond current emergencies, it also questions how health structures and government bodies can organize to better anticipate and manage future crises.
It is crucial that this campaign is not an isolated action, but is part of a global approach to strengthen public health capacities in the province. What solutions can be implemented to ensure sustainable resource management, in a region where security remains precarious? In this context, collaboration between different stakeholders, including NGOs, local actors and authorities, could prove to be essential.
Solidarity and empathy, which are found at the heart of this campaign, are the real pillars that will carry the North Kivutian community towards resistance to adversity. Consequently, encouraging blood donation is not limited to saving lives today, but also is a step towards the construction of a healthy and lasting future for all.