Rwanda has secured the rights to host the 13th Africa Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) Congress in 2028, following a competitive bidding process against Ethiopia and Nigeria . The announcement was made during the 12th AfSBT Congress, held from March 23 to 26 in Windhoek, Namibia. The biennial event is expected to attract about 1,000 delegates, including medical experts, researchers and policymakers from across Africa. Dr. Thomas Muyombo , Director of the Regional Center for Blood Transfusion at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), said the selection reflects Rwanda’s growing role in region

Rwanda has secured the rights to host the 13th Africa Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) Congress in 2028, following a competitive bidding process against Ethiopia and Nigeria.

The announcement was made during the 12th AfSBT Congress, held from March 23 to 26 in Windhoek, Namibia.

The biennial event is expected to attract about 1,000 delegates, including medical experts, researchers and policymakers from across Africa.

Dr. Thomas Muyombo, Director of the Regional Center for Blood Transfusion at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), said the selection reflects Rwanda’s growing role in regional health innovation and collaboration.

Rwanda is among a small number of African countries, alongside Namibia and Tanzania, to achieve AfSBT Level 3 accreditation, the highest standard for blood safety and quality on the continent.

According to RBC data, Rwanda has also expanded the use of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, to deliver blood supplies, particularly to remote areas. In 2024, drones accounted for 56% of blood deliveries nationwide.

The country’s blood transfusion service reported collecting 84,383 units of blood in 2024, all from voluntary, unpaid donors, with hospitals recording a satisfaction rate of 99.72%, according to RBC figures.

To improve screening, the Blood Transfusion Division introduced Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) during the 2024–2025 financial year, a method that allows earlier detection of infections such as HIV and hepatitis.

Officials say hosting the 2028 congress aligns with Rwanda’s broader efforts to position itself as a regional hub for healthcare and medical services.

A key project in this strategy is Kigali Health City, being developed in the Masaka area of Kicukiro District, which will include new facilities for the Kigali Teaching Hospital and specialized centers such as IRCAD Africa.

Health officials also emphasize the continued importance of voluntary blood donation. Speaking at the 2022 launch of the “Intwari Club 25” initiative, RBC Director General Claude Mambo Muvunyi said public participation remains essential.

“The only factory and source of blood is me and you,” he said.

Rwanda previously hosted the AfSBT congress in 2016.

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