Francesco Arezzo, the President of Rotary International, began his engagements with a visit to Nakasero Blood Bank, where he toured critical facilities and equipment donated through Rotary’s Malaria Free Uganda Program, valued at over Shs4 billion.
The visit underscored Rotary’s continued commitment to strengthening Uganda’s health systems through strategic investments that directly save lives and support national priorities in disease prevention and treatment.
At the facility, Arezzo was taken through the blood processing, storage and distribution units, where Rotary-supported equipment is enhancing the capacity to safely collect, test and supply blood across the country.
The upgraded infrastructure is playing a vital role in improving emergency response, maternal care and treatment for patients requiring transfusions.
The equipment, funded through the annual Rotary Family Carnival, reflects the power of collective action. Each year, Rotarians, Rotaractors, partners and communities mobilize resources through the flagship fundraising event to support the Malaria Free Uganda Program and broader health interventions.
Speaking during the visit, Arezzo commended the innovation behind the initiative and the scale of impact achieved.
“This is a powerful example of Rotary’s ability to mobilize communities and translate that energy into meaningful, life-saving investments. What we see here is not just equipment, but a system that is strengthening healthcare delivery and saving lives every day,” he said.
The Malaria Free Uganda Program remains one of Rotary’s most significant health initiatives in the country, addressing prevention, treatment and health system strengthening.
Support to the Nakasero Blood Bank further expands its reach, ensuring that critical health services are backed by reliable and modern infrastructure.
Rotary leaders noted that investments in blood services are essential to supporting maternal health, emergency care and the treatment of diseases such as severe malaria, which often require urgent transfusions.
The visit also provided an opportunity to recognise the healthcare professionals working at the facility, whose role ensures that donated blood is safely managed and reaches patients in need across Uganda.
The Nakasero engagement reflects Rotary’s broader strategy of aligning community-driven fundraising with national health priorities, ensuring that interventions are both impactful and sustainable.
As Arezzo continues his official visit, the Nakasero Blood Bank stands as a strong example of how Rotary in Uganda is leveraging partnerships, innovation and community engagement to strengthen health systems and deliver lasting impact.
