Availability of safe blood depends on your generosity
Sep 01, 2005
It is apparent that there is dire constant need for blood to save lives in this country. There is no factory for blood anywhere in the world and that human beings cannot use blood from animals.
It is apparent that there is dire constant need for blood to save lives in this country. There is no factory for blood anywhere in the world and that human beings cannot use blood from animals. Blood for human patients, therefore, can only be donated by human beings.
The demand for blood today is high as malaria, HIV, cancer sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia, accidents and many other conditions that raise continuous demand for this precious gift of life dominate the scene.
The consumers of this blood include the children, the mothers that have had complications during and after giving birth, and all categories with the diseases stated above.
The availability of safe blood for all patients who require blood transfusion depends on the extra-ordinary generosity of all those who donate it. At Uganda blood transfusion (UBTS) and Uganda Red Cross society (URCS), we thank all those that donate blood. We say “you have given the gift of life another chance, thank you for giving a smile to the sick.â€
I appeal to all those who are healthy to go to the nearest blood donation centre and give blood. Donating blood is simple, quick painless and does not affect your normal daily activities. There is no infection one can get as a result of blood donation because only sterile equipment is used for each donor. Donating blood is sharing life.
What is interesting is that you can never give yourself blood when you need it. Therefore bank your blood with the national blood bank such that when you need it or any relative or friend, it is available.
The blood bank will have a blood drive from September 12-17 at the constitutional square in Kampala. At UBTS and URCS, where we are a family and work as a team, our advocacy is saving life with safe blood.
One challenge facing UBTS and URCS is the illegal sale of safe blood in hospitals. Blood in this country is free for all those who require a transfusion. Where blood is sold, it is an illegal sale and an act of corruption and the parties involved are liable to prosecution.
One interesting question I often get from the public is why isn’t there blood in hospitals at certain times of the year. My answer is that blood is donated by voluntary, non-remunerated and low risk individuals of the community Therefore if the community does not donate blood there is shortage and ultimately death.
Do something amazing, come and save a life, it may be yours.
The writer is a blood donor recruiter at Uganda Blood Transfusion Services
The demand for blood today is high as malaria, HIV, cancer sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia, accidents and many other conditions that raise continuous demand for this precious gift of life dominate the scene.
The consumers of this blood include the children, the mothers that have had complications during and after giving birth, and all categories with the diseases stated above.
The availability of safe blood for all patients who require blood transfusion depends on the extra-ordinary generosity of all those who donate it. At Uganda blood transfusion (UBTS) and Uganda Red Cross society (URCS), we thank all those that donate blood. We say “you have given the gift of life another chance, thank you for giving a smile to the sick.â€
I appeal to all those who are healthy to go to the nearest blood donation centre and give blood. Donating blood is simple, quick painless and does not affect your normal daily activities. There is no infection one can get as a result of blood donation because only sterile equipment is used for each donor. Donating blood is sharing life.
What is interesting is that you can never give yourself blood when you need it. Therefore bank your blood with the national blood bank such that when you need it or any relative or friend, it is available.
The blood bank will have a blood drive from September 12-17 at the constitutional square in Kampala. At UBTS and URCS, where we are a family and work as a team, our advocacy is saving life with safe blood.
One challenge facing UBTS and URCS is the illegal sale of safe blood in hospitals. Blood in this country is free for all those who require a transfusion. Where blood is sold, it is an illegal sale and an act of corruption and the parties involved are liable to prosecution.
One interesting question I often get from the public is why isn’t there blood in hospitals at certain times of the year. My answer is that blood is donated by voluntary, non-remunerated and low risk individuals of the community Therefore if the community does not donate blood there is shortage and ultimately death.
Do something amazing, come and save a life, it may be yours.
The writer is a blood donor recruiter at Uganda Blood Transfusion Services