Sandugo

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Have you witnessed loss of life for the only reason that a donor was not available at the most needed hour? If the hospital or your locality does not have an adequate supply of packed RBCs or even a donor database, then it is possible that people may die as a result.

Scientists have yet to find a successful ersatz human blood. Even the best-trained medical personnel using the most advanced equipment can become helpless in the event a patient needs blood. Blood, simply, cannot be manufactured.[1] Blood donors are vital to the lives of those who are in need of blood and a single donation spells the difference between life and death.

There are undoubtedly numerous factors on why people die. But not knowing where to find a donor or having the lack supply of packed RBCs as cause of death should never be the case. These thoughts paid way to an intervention that could help save lives.

In year 2015, it is estimated that about 2,500-3,000 blood units are transfused to patients in the country every day.[1] According to World Health Organization (WHO), blood donation of 1% of the population can meet a nation’s most basic requirements for blood.[2] However, in year 2014, PRC was able to meet only 50 percent of Filipino’s need for blood.[3] In the following year 2015, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that the Philippines fell short and only collected a total of 770,000 blood units.[4]

Particularly during “dengue months”, the demand for blood increases. A report on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) released by WHO last 2016 states that Philippines is one of the highest incidents of dengue among countries in the Western Pacific and also listed at the top ten countries with highest incidence of dengue in the world. Because dengue hemorrhagic fever is caused by a virus for which there is no known cure or vaccine, the only treatment is to treat the symptoms, which may include transfusion of fresh blood or platelets to correct bleeding problems.

In Facebook alone, it can be observed countless times where people have been posting everywhere to find a blood donor. Some regional public hospitals like those in Abra and Zamboanga do not even have database of blood donors. In Philippine General Hospital alone, there are several reports wherein patients die due to absence of blood donor.

Not knowing where to look for donors in vulnerable times wherein some relatives are far or not fit to donate, it is even more depressing to know that relatives of the patient opted to buy blood (starting with a price of P 300 to P 2,000 depending on the demand). To purchase and sell human blood is illegal in the Philippines.

Considering these facts, it can be assumed that blood is not always available to some Filipinos who need it.

Sandugo is a technological innovation designed to expedite the process of voluntary blood donor search by bringing both donors and those in need of blood into a common platform. Through a mobile application software or simply “app”, Sandugo provides the timeliest support to Filipinos in vulnerable situations and ultimately fills the gap of the convenient selection of readily available blood donors who are willing to give blood at the moment the patient needs it.

Investing in this seed of idea gives Filipinos the chance to challenge the limitation of blood donations in instances where patients are forced to source donations on their own. This proposal is not, however, mainly concerned with the technology itself, but more with the ways in which technology can be introduced and embedded in the community to best effect.

Moreover, it rallies support for the Republic Act (RA) No. 7719 or National Blood Services Act, which aims to create public consciousness on the importance of blood donation in saving the lives of millions of Filipinos[2], by providing a convenient platform for potential volunteer donors to connect and help those who are in need of blood.


[1] Torrevillas, Domini. M. May 4, 2017. “Bloodletting to save lives”. From the Stands. The Philippine Star.

[2] 2010. “Towards 100% Voluntary Blood Donation: A Global Framework for Action”. World Health Organization. Switzerland. http://www.who.int/bloodsafety/publications/9789241599696_eng.pdf?ua=1

[3] June 14, 2015. “Blood donors hailed as heroes”. Rappler. http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/96342-blood-donors-philippine-red-cross

[4] Geronimo, J. Y. July 5, 2016. “Ubial: Blood donation must be an everyday thing”. Rappler. http://www.rappler.com/nation/138695-blood-donation-everyday-ubial


[1] Blood Facts and Statistics. American Red Cross. http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-facts-and-statistics

[2] Republic Act 7719 otherwise known as the “National Blood Services Act”. Administrative Order No. 2005-0002. Department of Health.

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  • nadine bernardino
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  • Campaign Owner

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