Uganda's blood collection short by 20 percent — health ministry

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Uganda currently has a shortage of 90,000 units of blood, which is about 20 percent less than what it needs every year, the health ministry has said.

The high demands for blood in the country are because of obstetric emergencies, anaemia in children, sickle cell patients, cancer-patient care, and various surgical interventions, the ministry's Director of General Health Services, Dr Henry Mwebesa said Monday.

He noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that every country should collect at least 1% of the population.

He said that this should equate to at least 450,000 but that they are currently collecting about 350,000-360,000 units of blood every year. Most of the blood donors are students.

He was speaking during the Africa Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) Congress in Kampala on Monday. The event is taking place at Speke Resort Hotel, Munyonyo under the theme: Adopting Global Innovations and Technology Advancements in Blood Transfusion.

Officiating at the inauguration of the ceremony, Jane Ruth Aceng, Health Minister, urged delegates to use the opportunity to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing Transfusion medicine in Africa.

(L-R) Mohammed Farouk Managing Director of African Society for Blood Transfusion and Jane Ruth Minister for Health during 11th International Congress of African Society for Blood Transfusion at Speke Resort Munyonyo on March 4, 2024. (Photo by Mary Kansiime)

She said among the importance of Blood transfusion therapy is its life-saving impact for many patients with severe anaemia and acute haemorrhage.

The AfsBT conference will last for three days (March 4 to 7, 2024) and is set to feature world-renowned delegates with expertise ranging from innovations, technologies and specialists in blood transfusion services.