In just 15 years, Côte d'Ivoire has significantly expanded its network of blood transfusion facilities. From 12 centers in 2010, the country has grown to 32 by 2025, with a projection of 40 structures by the end of the year, according to Professor Yassongui Mamadou Sékongo, Director General of the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS).

This announcement was made on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Abidjan-Plateau during “Tout Savoir Sur,” the weekly forum of the Government Information and Communication Center (CICG), broadcast live on the government's digital platforms. The theme of the session was: “Blood Transfusion and Blood Donation.”

The goal of this expansion, explained Professor Sékongo, is to ensure effective nationwide coverage of blood products and to guarantee a continuous supply to healthcare facilities. To this end, the Ministry of Health has issued several decrees making it mandatory for every healthcare facility to have a blood bank supplied exclusively by the CNTS.

“No patient’s family should be responsible for obtaining a blood voucher. The availability of blood in hospitals is the responsibility of the hospital and the CNTS,” he declared.

To meet growing needs, the CNTS estimates that at least 30,000 blood bags are required each month.

The Director General also highlighted that the price of a blood bag has been reduced to ensure equitable access for all segments of the population.

“Thanks to the government, the price of a blood bag, which previously ranged between 8,000 and 25,000 FCFA in hospitals, is now set at 3,000 FCFA,” he noted.
He also pointed out that “the cost of producing a single blood bag amounts to 50,000 FCFA for the State.”

The CNTS is calling for greater mobilization around regular blood donations, which remains the only way to achieve national self-sufficiency.