Every holiday season, the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) faces a sharp drop in blood donations. This year, the situation is particularly worrying due to fears related to Rift Valley fever, a disease that can require transfusions as part of medical care. According to the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, during its latest update on the development of the Mpox and Rift Valley fever (RVF) epidemics, Senegal recorded 90 confirmed cases of RVF, including 11 deaths.

In the Saint-Louis region, 87 cases have been recorded (including 52 recovered patients), 2 cases in Louga, and 1 case (recovered) in Matam. These figures heighten concerns about the shortage of blood in banks. Serigne Mame Mbaye Koté, an administrative officer in the CNTS's promotion department, confirms that teams are on high alert. "Some are quick to make the connection with Rift Valley fever, as this disease can require transfusions. But in Dakar, no cases have been reported so far," he says. He adds, however, that prevention remains essential: "Even if the fever has not yet reached the capital, we are taking the lead. We are intensifying awareness-raising to build up sufficient reserves in case of a health emergency."

The CNTS, accustomed to managing periods of tension, observes the same phenomenon every year: the decline in donations coincides with the departure of students, the main contributors to collection campaigns. "Students are our biggest donors. A significant portion of our pockets comes from universities and grandes écoles," emphasizes Mame Mbaye Koté. Last week, an operation in Bango collected around 1,500 blood bags, but these reserves only lasted two weeks. "Demand is high and continues to increase. As long as the Senegalese do not adopt the culture of voluntary, spontaneous, and regular donation, we will always be in a state of emergency," he regrets.

In a context marked by fears of emerging epidemics such as Rift Valley fever, the CNTS is calling for citizen mobilization. More than ever, donating blood is essential as a vital act of national solidarity.