Blood center calls for donations as supplies fluctuate

On October 5, 2026, the Blood Center in Engomi issued an urgent appeal for O-negative blood to support an infant in critical need. The community responded positively to this request, and according to the head of the Blood Center, Androula Panayiotou, the specific need for this patient has since been covered, allowing the child to receive necessary transfusions.

Despite the resolution of this specific case, the Blood Center warns of a broader crisis regarding blood supplies. Panayiotou stated that daily requirements amount to 450 units, yet the center is currently experiencing a concerning decline in the attendance of regular donors. This shortage spans all blood groups and persists as a daily operational challenge.

The health authorities emphasize that the current reliance on intermittent public appeals is insufficient to maintain safe reserve levels. Consequently, the Blood Center has issued a continuous call for the public to donate blood regularly to ensure that clinical needs across the region can be met without further emergencies.