Illegal circulation of blood in Cameroon

[dArKeR]

By Sylvestre Tetchiada

Yaoundé, Cameroon - The term "blood money" has come to have new meaning in Cameroon, where certain patients and their families complain that a brisk trade in trafficked blood has led to shortages in hospitals.

"Getting hold of a pouch of blood for a patient who has urgent need of it can be an experience akin to Calvary," said Martin Djomo, the husband of someone who is dependent on blood transfusions.

Twice a month, Djomo's wife visits a hospital to get the transfusions that help her deal with a kidney disorder.

"The officials in charge of the Haematology Service always claim that the blood bank is empty. But, I can see pouches of blood being handed from one person to another in front of me," said Djomo.

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