By Chris Kiwawulo

FOR the first time in seven years, there was no blood shortage in 2006 in all hospitals countrywide, a blood bank official revealed yesterday.

Lorenzo Kaggwa of the Nakasero Blood Bank said they collected 144,800 units of blood in 2006, which was 78% of the annual target of 186,000 units.

He said because of the success, all hospitals had an adequate supply of blood.

“This was good. We managed to meet the demand for blood in all regional hospitals and right now we have enough blood in stock.”

He commended the donors for saving lives and urged other potential donors to give blood.

Kaggwa anticipated a 20% growth
in terms of collection this year, saying last year’s grew by 7%.

He said they would set a new target in June and added that blood would be collected at the seven regional collection centres nationwide.

“The biggest challenges that we must fight are inadequate donor education and low donor motivation.”