Thursday 23rd May 2024 – Kampala: ATC Uganda and Uganda Development Bank (UDB) have today organized a blood donation drive to bolster the much-needed blood bank at Mengo Hospital.
Mengo Hospital and Minet are the technical partners in this initiative which is part of a broader effort to increase the availability of safe blood across the nation.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to increase the availability of safe blood across the nation. The drive successfully attracted employees from partner institutions and members of the public, all eager to contribute to this critical cause.
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Database on Blood Safety, a country should collect blood equivalent to at least 1% of its population. Uganda currently collects an estimated 300,000 litres of blood annually, which falls significantly short of the required amount. This ongoing deficit highlights the necessity for continuous blood donation efforts.
Speaking during the event, Ms Dorothy Ssemanda, Chief Executive Officer of ATC Uganda, emphasized the importance of safe and sufficient blood supplies in saving lives.
“Blood donation is a selfless act that can save a child with severe anaemia, a mother experiencing complications during childbirth, or a patient undergoing surgery. We are proud to partner with UDB to encourage voluntary, unpaid blood donations and make a positive impact,” she said.
Ms. Ssemanda also noted that the blood donation drive is one of several activities ATC Uganda is conducting during their Health and Fitness Week, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs, Joshua Mwesiga, speaking during the launch of the drive said, “UDB is dedicated to supporting initiatives that improve health outcomes for Ugandans. This blood donation drive is a way for us to contribute to the national blood bank and support patients in need of transfusions. We as staff are enthusiastic about participating in this life-saving cause.”
According to research conducted by the National Institute of Health, access to safe blood in Uganda is crucial for maternal and neonatal care as well as for treating patients injured in emergencies such as accidents. However, there is a significant shortage of blood banks, leading to preventable deaths, particularly among mothers and patients requiring urgent transfusions.
The need for blood donations is now more urgent than ever. ATC Uganda and UDB urge everyone to consider donating blood to help save lives and improve health outcomes across the country.
