The Director Uganda Blood Transfusion Service, Dr Dorothy Kyeyune has urged Ugandans not to worry as the country is no longer hit by a blood shortage.
Dr Kyeyune, confirms that there’s currently enough blood to supply all hospitals and the crisis has been handled.
“There is no more blood shortage crisis, Nakasero blood bank has of this morning 5000 units of blood. This is just central but also other regional banks are restocked,” she said.
For nearly two weeks, Uganda Blood Transfusion has collaborated with different organizations in attempt to re-fill the blood banks nationwide and also plan better for future need.
In partnership with Movit Products Limited, a five-days blood donation drive has been scheduled with a target to collect over 500 units of blood in the city centre.
Public relations and advertising manager for Movit, Mr Robert Kitenda said they are already in a drive to help raise more blood units.
“Starting 29th January to 2nd February, there will be a blood drive organized by movit scheduled to take place at the city square in Kampala. Both citizens and non citizens will donate blood towards solving the blood shortages in the country,” Mr Kitenda said.
Dr Dorothy Kyeyune further explains that there is need to balance collection Vs distributions of blood as it only has a shelf life of 35days before expiration.
“Uganda requires 2000 units a day and yet usually 1000 units are collected, this makes it hard to maintain supply,” Dr Kyeyune said.
Grace Otekat, the principle laboratory technologist also urged Ugandans to be more vigilant as some hospitals continue to take advantage of the blood crisis illegally.
By Victoria Bagaya.
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