Uganda has joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Blood Donor Day 2026, with renewed calls for voluntary blood donation to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and reduce preventable deaths.
This year’s global campaign is being observed under the slogan, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.” while Uganda’s national theme focuses on “From Donor to Delivery: Blood Availability for Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) Deaths Elimination.”
The national commemoration has brought together government officials, health professionals, development partners, private sector representatives and voluntary blood donors to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply.
World Blood Donor Day is observed annually to recognize voluntary blood donors whose contributions help save lives.
In Uganda, the day is also used to promote awareness about the role of blood donation in emergency care, maternal health services, surgical procedures and the treatment of severe medical conditions.
According to the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS), this year’s theme emphasizes strengthening the entire blood supply chain, including donor recruitment, screening, storage and distribution, to ensure timely access to safe blood for patients in need.
Speaking during the commemoration, UBTS Executive Director Dr Dorothy Kyeyune Byabazaire said improving blood availability remains critical in addressing postpartum hemorrhage, one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in Uganda.
“Every unit of blood donated represents hope for a patient in need. Strengthening the entire system from donor recruitment to safe delivery ensures that mothers, children, accident victims, and other patients receive timely care. Safe blood availability is central to reducing preventable deaths, especially those linked to postpartum hemorrhage,” she said.
Vivo Energy Uganda, one of UBTS’s partners in blood donation campaigns, reiterated its support for voluntary blood donation through the Fuelling Hope initiative.
“At Vivo Energy Uganda, we believe in powering progress beyond energy. Our partnership with UBTS reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that save lives. Through World Blood Donor Day activities and our continued support under the Fuelling Hope initiative, we are helping to raise awareness and encourage more Ugandans to become voluntary blood donors,” said Managing Director Joanita Mukasa Menya.
UBTS said the Fuelling Hope campaign has previously supported efforts to mobilize communities and increase awareness about voluntary blood donation across the country.
The chief guest, Uganda Postpartum Hemorrhage Champion Charlotte Kainerugaba, called on eligible Ugandans to participate in blood donation drives.
“Blood donation is one of the highest forms of service to humanity. Today, as we commemorate World Blood Donor Day, I encourage all eligible Ugandans to embrace voluntary blood donation as an act of compassion, solidarity, and responsibility. Together, we can save lives and strengthen our healthcare system,” she said.
UBTS and its partners said they remain committed to strengthening Uganda’s blood donation system to ensure a safe, sufficient and sustainable blood supply for patients across the country.