Jinja city schools boost blood supply in medical facilities

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JINJA -- Several education institutions have taken part in the Rotary Club of Jinja City's annual blood donation drive.

This initiative, led by club president, Edgar Rujumba, aims to mitigate the ongoing shortage of blood in local hospitals and is a critical part of the club's year-round programme dedicated to saving lives.

This year's campaign saw a turnout of 275 individuals stepping forward to donate blood on Sunday.

(Courtesy)

Among the contributors, Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI), Busoga College Mwiri, Jinja College, Kiira College Butiki, Mother Kevin Secondary School and MM College Wairaka played a significant role, collecting 44, 21, 55, 73, 50 and 32 pints of blood respectively.

Rujumba appreciated all donors: "We are deeply grateful to every individual who invested their time and effort to donate blood. These contributions are lifesaving and demonstrate the remarkable communal spirit of Jinja city".

Emphasizing the ongoing need for blood donations, Rujumba called upon the general public to continue supporting such drives.

"We encourage everyone to participate in future blood donation events. Every pint of blood can make a significant difference, and your involvement is crucial to our collective effort to save lives," he added.

A student donating blood. (Courtesy)

The Rotary Club's blood donation campaign is a testament to the power of community action, where even small contributions from individuals collectively lead to significant impacts on public health.

Students donating blood. (Courtesy)

As hospitals continue to face challenges in maintaining adequate blood supplies, campaigns like this serve as essential lifelines for those in need.

He added that their target is to collect 500 units of blood since surgeries are rampant in hospitals.

According to club spokesperson, Samson Buwembo, they conducted the blood donation drive in schools because “given their age, chances are high that the student’s blood is okay — we also call on the general public to join us whenever the club organises a blood donation drive”.