Etop in a three day blood donation drive to save lives

Etop radio and paper on Thursday 17 May partnered with Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS) in a blood donation drive aimed at saving lives that are in dire need of blood.

The three day exercise begun  at around 9 am in the morning at the Etop premises on Engwau road, in  Northern Division Soroti municipality attracting a number of people from near and far  off town to come and donate blood.

The activity that ends on Friday targets raising or collecting more than 150 units of blood to be used at different hospitals in Teso.

According to Justus Stanley Aporu Akol, the promotions manager Etop radio, the campaign is in response to the overwhelming need for blood across health facilities in the Teso Sub region.

"There is a very big outcry for blood not only in Teso, but across the country and that is why we are pleased to partner with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services in giving blood, Akol said.

Martha Ajilong, a Blood Donor Recruiter at Ministry of Health attached to Soroti blood Transfusion Services (SBTS) noted that whenever schools break off for holidays, there is a very big gap in collecting blood from the community.

"We always rely on schools for blood donation since the communities that we go to sometimes let us down, Ajilong told new vision.

Ajilong encouraged communities to donate more blood in efforts to save needy lives.

 "I donate blood after every three months because I love to save lives", Martin Edeu a student from Cavendish University Soroti branch said after giving blood.

"After losing My auntie who had gone to deliver at the hospital due to lack of blood, I have now made it a routine to give blood whenever need arises, said Abiro Salume from Amuria district who had also come to donate blood.

The activity is geared towards helping save lives of children, mothers who give birth and accident victims who are in need of blood.