Uganda Free Zones Authority Staff Donate Blood

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO 

Uganda is among the countries with high rate of motor accident coupled with other medical emergencies such as women giving birth through cesarean procedures. The country also has high number of her citizens suffering from cancer alongside children suffering from chronical diseases such as sickle cell and other medical conditions requiring blood transfusion. 

 

But according to information from Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), the country is now facing shortage of blood supply in all its centers across the country because of the outbreak of Covid-19 Epidemic which led to closure Learning Institutions where the Medical agency used to collect most of the blood through voluntary blood donations by the students across the country. UBTS notes that before the outbreak of the deadly fever, the country had good stock of blood supplies in most of the Country's regional blood banks and medical facilities to handle medical complications that required blood transfusion.

 

 "Currently as Nakasero Blood Bank, we are not doing well when it comes to blood collection despite the fact that the demand for blood in most health facilities in the country has gone up. There’s urgent need for the general public to respond to our calls to voluntarily blood donations. Availability of blood in medical facilities plays a key role in saving people's lives especially those who have involved in accidents, Children with sickle cell anemia among other health complications” Explained Esther Awori,the Nakasero Blood Bank Donor Recruiter.

Staff,s of Uganda Free Zones Authority Donating Blood  

The Officer made the appeal during a blood donations drive organized by Uganda Free Zones Authority. She observed that if both Government Agencies alongside the Private Sector participate effectively in mobilizing the general public towards voluntary blood donations, the country couldn't be experiencing blood supply shortage.

 She applauded the Authority for starting such Initiative where it mobilizes members of the public to effectively participate in blood donations. This has enabled the blood bank to collect quite a good number of blood units annually.

Doreen Kembabazi, the Authority’sspokesperson, explained that the Authority organizes a blood donation drive on annually basis at their offices where members of the public and Authority’s staff donate blood on voluntary basis.

 

 "As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility, the Authority supports those in need of blood by making it possible for willing and able Ugandans to share their love by donating blood to save lives. It is a fact that blood cannot be manufactured anywhere else in the world except in human beings. Let us all respond to the call to donate blood and save lives “She told the media.

Member of the community Donating Blood 

James Atwine,bodaboda rider, who participated in the blood donation told this website that, he voluntarily donated blood because he has lost two relatives who were in need of blood but couldn’t find it at the Health facility after the two were involved in motor accident.

 

 “Every year I donate blood to save lives of my fellow Ugandans who may be in need of it” He said