Uganda Faces Blood Shortage as Schools Close: Who Can Donate?

Health officials warn of declining blood donations as schools break for holidays. Students form the largest donor group, boosting collections during term time but causing shortages in vacation periods, especially November to January.

Brian Kasozi, coordinator for e-blood donor recruitment at Uganda Red Cross Society, notes that school drives yield hundreds of units quickly, but numbers plummet when students go home.

Strict Eligibility Rules

To ensure safety, donors must be 17-60 years old (up to 65 for regulars), weigh at least 50kg, and be in good health. Those with chronic illnesses like high blood pressure, asthma, sickle cell, HIV, or hepatitis, or on medication, are ineligible.

All blood is screened for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. Men can donate every three months, women every four.

Nutrition and Preparation Tips

Nutritionists stress eating iron-rich foods like meat, liver, beans, and spinach before donating. Pair with vitamin C from oranges and mangoes for better absorption. Stay hydrated with water and juice, avoiding caffeine and alcohol for a week prior.

Screening checks blood levels to protect donors.

Call to Action

Dr. Lawrence Muganga, a regular donor with 40 donations, views it as a civic duty amid frequent accidents and illnesses. His sister, Hellen Batamuliza, adds that blood can’t be manufactured—you might need it someday.

Uganda needs 459,000 units yearly per WHO guidelines but gets 80%, losing lives in childbirth, accidents, and sickle cell cases. Benefits include free health checks and immune boosts as the body replenishes blood.

Donate at regional banks in Arua, Gulu, Fort Portal, Masaka, Mbale, Mbarara, Nakasero, or walk-in centers anytime.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)