Health 13 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Aims for 300,000 Blood Units Yearly to Tackle Persistent Shortages
Uganda is pushing for 300,000 annual blood units to meet national needs amid ongoing shortages that claim lives, highlighted by a Kampala donation drive honoring Kabaka Mutebi's health advocacy. The event collected over 80 units, with calls for more voluntary donations to save mothers and children. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-targets-300-000-blood-units-annually-amid-ongoing-shortfall-5422642
Uganda faces chronic blood shortages in hospitals, prompting urgent calls for scaled-up voluntary donations to prevent needless deaths.
A blood donation camp in Kampala, organized by the Non-Resident Nepali Association Uganda alongside the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), gathered over 80 units at Acacia Mall in Kamwokya. This initiative celebrated Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s birthday and echoed his repeated pleas for donations to aid expectant mothers and urgent cases.
Businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, Nepal’s Honorary Consul General to Uganda, donated blood and stressed the national blood bank’s constant deficits. “Every Ugandan should donate to save lives in emergencies and long-term treatments,” he urged.
Experts emphasize blood’s role in surgeries, cancer care, sickle cell management, and trauma, especially for children and pregnant women. The WHO recommends 1% of a population donate yearly; Uganda targets 300,000 units but needs 400,000, with shortages contributing to 30 daily maternal and child deaths from anemia and transfusion delays.
Samuel Davis Wante praised participants, tying the drive to the Kabaka’s advocacy for maternal and child health. Officials remind that blood relies solely on donors, calling for regular community efforts.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)