At Terumo, contributing to society through healthcare isn’t just a mission — it’s a promise. A promise to listen, to act, and to walk alongside communities in building stronger, more resilient health systems.

In Africa, this promise has grown into a journey of partnership, innovation, and transformation.

This journey in Africa spans many years, built on trust and collaboration — and in recent times, key milestones have underscored this progress: the first Red Blood Cell Exchange in Ivory Coast (2015), the first Stem Cell Transplant in Tanzania (2017), and the implementation of whole blood automation in Zambia (2022), Terumo first PCI training in Kenya (2023).

These moments marked more than just medical firsts — they represented hope, access, and possibility.

Every day, millions rely on blood and its components. That’s why we’re championing the world’s blood supply—working to strengthen national blood services across Africa. Our mission: to ensure safe, sufficient, and accessible blood for all—because blood isn’t a commodity, it’s essential medicine.

Through advanced automation, we bring efficiency and precision to blood centers, enabling life-saving components and life-changing therapies. Innovation in blood processing is more than technical progress—it’s a humanitarian imperative.

From whole blood automation in Zambia to training and tech-sharing across countries, we’re driving sustainable, self-reliant blood systems.

One powerful example of the impact of a robust blood supply is in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

SCD is one of the most common genetic conditions in Africa — and one of the most under-addressed. At Terumo, we are helping elevate SCD as a public health priority, because every child born with SCD deserves access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and hope for a healthier future.

Since the first Red Blood Cell Exchange in Ivory Coast (2015), our journey has been marked by innovation and collaboration. This milestone was not just a medical breakthrough — it was a beacon of what’s possible when healthcare systems are empowered and equipped to address local health burdens.

Since 2023, Terumo has been delivering a training program in Kenya under Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan’s "Project for Growth of Medical Technologies."

Using experiences and techniques and led by Terumo and Japanese experts of interventional cardiologists, the program aims to enhance the quality and safety of PCI, a minimally invasive method for treating ischemic heart disease.

Working in collaboration with local partners, the program will build a sustainable, locally embedded training system and provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points aligned with Kenya’s national physician training framework.

This initiative supports capacity building and promotes minimally invasive techniques that reduce patient burden — with a long-term goal of strengthening healthcare systems across Africa through knowledge transfer and strategic collaboration. 

Everything starts from our unwavering commitment to patients. Listening sincerely to their needs and understanding deeply their hopes and aspirations, we boldly pursue innovative ways to help enhance the lives of patients around the world.

Postpartum hemorrhage is severe blood loss after childbirth and can be life-threatening. Watch Lilian, a mother of three in Kenya, share how a blood transfusion saved her life. A safe global blood supply depends on generous donors everywhere.

When John began red blood cell exchange (RBCX) treatments to manage his SickleCell disease, he says it was the only time pain left his body. Here, he shares his memories of growing up with sickle cell disease, descriptions of symptoms and treatments, and his efforts to educate others about RBCX.