Uganda hosts 11th International blood conference

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Uganda is set to take the spotlight as it hosts the 11th African Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) International Congress.

The four-day conference commencing on Monday 4th - 7th March is taking place at Speke Convention Center Munyonyo, Kampala on Lake Victoria shores.

The congress, a platform for collaboration, innovation, and advancement in transfusion medicine, holds significant importance for Uganda's healthcare landscape.

Sources at the ministry of Health say that Uganda aims to showcase its commitment to improving blood transfusion services and ensuring access to safe and effective blood and blood components.

Key stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry experts, are convening in Kampala to engage in discussions, share insights, and explore solutions to pressing challenges in the field.

The agenda, has a variety of topics ranging from:  blood supply and demand, patient management and advancements in transfusion technology.

A release from her office stated that Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister for Health, has expressed her enthusiasm for Uganda's role as the host country, emphasizing the importance of the congress in advancing transfusion medicine in Africa and beyond.

"We are honored to welcome delegates from across the globe to the Pearl of Africa for this momentous event," she remarked.

"As a nation, we are committed to enhancing blood transfusion services and ensuring equitable access to safe blood for all." said Aceng.

The congress comes at a time when the demand for safe blood is on the rise in Uganda.

The ministry of Health officials on Sunday said that says that efforts to strengthen blood collection, testing, and distribution infrastructure have been intensified, with notable achievements including increased blood collection capacity and expanded transfusion facilities across the country.

AABB delegation visit to the Uganda blood bank ahead of the 11th AfSBTUg2024 congress. (Courtesy photo)

Ahead of the Congress, a delegation from the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies visited the National Blood Bank at Mulago.