DAR ES SALAAM, June 15 -- THE Tanzanian government has strongly condemned the sale of blood in the country, emphasizing that blood voluntarily donated by citizens must never be turned into a commercial commodity. It has further warned that anyone found involved in a blood trade network will face strict legal, disciplinary, and professional action.

The statement was made by Minister for Health Mohamed Mchengerwa in Dar es Salaam during a dinner event held to honor leading blood donors in the country.

Minister Mchengerwa stressed that the commercialization of blood undermines government efforts, weakens the health system, erodes public trust in healthcare services, and discourages voluntary donors. He warned that no individual involved in...