Uganda Faces Growing Demand for Safe Blood as Population Surges

Summary:

• Uganda is ramping up efforts to meet increasing demand for safe blood as its population approaches 55 million by 2025. The Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS) is expanding facilities and boosting collection efforts, though challenges remain in meeting recommended blood donation targets and addressing shortages of rare blood types like O negative.

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KAMPALA, (Examiner) – As Uganda’s population trends towards 55 million by 2025, the need for safe blood is escalating, prompting intensified efforts from the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS). UBTS is actively enhancing its blood collection, testing, and distribution capabilities nationwide. This includes scaling up blood collection initiatives and expanding transfusion facilities across the country.

To bolster its infrastructure, UBTS has established a network comprising eight Regional Blood Banks alongside seven additional blood collection and distribution centers. Recently, the completion of three new Regional Blood Banks in Arua, Hoima, and Soroti has further fortified their service reach.

Despite progress, Uganda still falls short of the World Health Organization’s recommended blood collection target of 1% of the population. Last year, UBTS collected 339,671 units of blood, showing an increase from the previous year, but not meeting the optimal threshold.

A critical challenge remains the availability of O negative blood, a rare type in high demand. Efforts to educate the public about this blood type and encourage donations have seen some success, yet supply continues to lag behind demand. Dr. Dorothy Kyeyune, Executive Director of UBTS, stresses ongoing strategies to optimize O negative blood stocks and overall transfusion services.

To drive regular blood donations, UBTS has launched targeted campaigns, particularly aimed at youth engagement. An e-recruitment initiative has also been initiated to address the specific need for O negative blood donors, although it remains in early stages and requires additional resources for full implementation.

Dr. Kyeyune emphasizes the importance of community support in cultivating a culture of blood donation, underscoring the vital role donors play in supporting patients with critical medical needs across Uganda’s healthcare facilities.

While blood collection and distribution are provided free of charge in all healthcare settings, UBTS confronts challenges related to unethical practices surrounding blood sales. The Ministry of Health is actively revising policies to curb such practices and ensure the integrity of Uganda’s blood supply.

As Uganda commemorates World Blood Donor Day 2024, UBTS reaffirms its commitment to enhancing blood transfusion services. Dr. Kyeyune underscores the necessity of sustained efforts and partnerships to meet rising demands and ensure a stable, safe blood supply for all patients in need throughout the country.