UBTS, SICPA Uganda in blood donation drive
“Every pint of blood donated is a lifeline, and we call on the public, especially the youth, to step forward, participate, and commit to becoming regular donors,” said Mugisha.
UBTS Principal Blood Donor Coordinator William Mugisha said that all donated blood undergoes a thorough two-step screening process to ensure safety.
KAMPALA - A two-day blood donation drive has kicked off at Kitebi Secondary School in Wankulukuku, Kampala.
According to Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), only students aged 17 years and above have participated in the two-day event, supported by SICPA Uganda.
UBTS Principal Blood Donor Coordinator William Mugisha said that all donated blood undergoes a thorough two-step screening process to ensure safety.
“Every pint of blood donated is a lifeline, and we call on the public, especially the youth, to step forward, participate, and commit to becoming regular donors,” said Mugisha.
He also lauded SICPA Uganda's support for making this drive possible and consistently supporting blood donation drives across the country.
(L-R) Suzan Kitariko, Muhammed Kamulegeya, William Mugisha, the Principal Blood Donor Coordinator, Uganda Blood Transfusion Services at Kitebi Secondary School, during the blood donation drive.
According to UBTS, the annual blood collection rate is approximately 340000 per year from 2022 to 2023. Uganda still falls short of the 1% WHO requirement.
To address blood shortages and reach the WHO's recommended rate. Uganda has taken several measures, including establishing Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), a national blood service organisation responsible for blood collection, testing, and distribution of blood, as well as Regional Blood Banks.
UBTS operates regional blood banks in Arua, Gulu, Fort Portal, Masaka, Mbale, Mbarara, and Nakasero-Kampala to increase accessibility. It also introduced 25 mobile blood collection units to reach remote areas and increase blood collection.
SICPA Uganda Country Manager Suzan Mweheire Kitariko remarks.
But, despite these efforts, Uganda still faces blood shortages, highlighting the need for continued investment in blood services infrastructure, public awareness, and community engagement to increase voluntary blood donation rates.
In her remarks, SICPA Uganda Country Manager Suzan Mweheire Kitariko said, “At SICPA, we believe in investing not only in technology and innovation but also in the well-being of the communities we operate in. Partnering with UBTS and Kitebi Secondary School allows us to contribute directly to saving lives while fostering a culture of service.”
The school headteacher, Hajj Muhammed Kamulegeya, said: “We are proud to host this blood donation drive at Kitebi Secondary School. This initiative teaches our learners that giving back is part of leadership, and by donating blood, they are saving lives and strengthening the values that we stand for.”