As a key partner to community blood services in Uganda, the East Africa International Medical Center, supported by the Eritrean Voluntary Blood Donors Association in Uganda with other partners, held the 11th blood donation drive at South Point Mall, Kabalagala.
The event took place on 16th March 2024 to support urban refugees in Uganda with access to the best and most affordable healthcare services. The donation program attracted attendees from different people, including the government, the Eritrean Embassy, NGOs, Independent blood donation associations, and other notables.
These partners were the Uganda Transfusion Service, Rotary, Mengo Hospital Blood Bank Program, United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), African Humanitarian Action (AHA), Uganda Red Cross, Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA), Lugei Foundation, and Eritrean Voluntary Blood Donors Association and others.
As usual, the Eritrean Voluntary Blood Donors Association contributed more share on the blood donors on this 11th blood donation drive like it has been their norm to support our blood donation campaigns for the last three years.
With the association’s support, the donors managed to produce 130 units of blood – the highest so far since the campaign started in September 2021, when only 29 units were donated.
According to Daniel Tesfamichael, the Chairperson of the Association, it was established in Uganda on 29th August 2021 under the umbrella of the Eritrean Community Council to promote a culture of voluntary blood donation within the community.
Mr. Tesfamichael added that the association has donated over 530 units of blood at the 10th round of its event by collaborating with the Mengo Hospital Blood Bank Program despite numerous challenges.
Dr. Didacus Namanya from the Ministry of Health of Uganda applauded the founders for establishing the facility. He mentioned that it helps them as the ministry to achieve “universal health coverage” – where every person living in Uganda has easy access to health facilities as their goal as the government of Uganda.
Representing the message of the public health director, Dr. Namanya mentioned that blood is the greatest gift one can give to a fellow human being! He thus thanked East Africa International Medical Center, the Eritrean Voluntary Blood Donors Association, and all partners for organizing such an event, which he believes is integral to saving people’s lives in Uganda.
Since East Africa International Medical Center was founded by the Eritreans living in Uganda, keeping a relationship with the Eritrean embassy would be an icing on the cake. Therefore, an invitation to the embassy saw Madame Azieb Kidane Hailu, Head of Consular Affairs at the Embassy of the State of Eritrea, attend in person.
While giving her speech, Madame Azieb called upon the attendees and general public to always celebrate blood donors by expressing the impact of their tremendous job in communities.
“Imagine a situation where a loved one requires blood and none is available. So, it is during this critical moment that blood donors can become heroes! Their selfless service ensures that patients receive the blood they desperately need during tough times,” said Azieb.
“Remember every donation counts, and it is an act of charity. Let us celebrate World Donor Day and continue to raise awareness about its importance because it is our moral duty as healthy human beings to help someone and save their lives,” She added.
Furthermore, the Uganda Transfusion Service Coordinator, Mr. Michael Mukundane, was among the attendees, and he applauded the East Africa International Medical Center team led by the Chairman, CEO, Manager, and staff for organizing the event.
Mr. Mukundane also thanked Madame Azieb and the Embassy for the support rendered because it sets a positive gesture to the public.
“We thank those who have donated blood, those who have continued to donate regionally, and those who have engaged in mobilizing communities to donate blood. Your Excellence, it is important that we recognize these people, thank them, and also thank your government and your community that lives in Uganda for the good work done,” Mukundane said.
The Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS) is the National Blood Service responsible for all blood transfusion and safety activities in Uganda, established as an autonomous institution and commissioned in January 2003 by a Board of Directors.
By 2024, Uganda Blood Transfusion Service has grown from a service supplying blood in central Uganda to a network of over eight (8) regional blood banks at Arua, Fort- Portal, Gulu, Kitovu, Mbale, Mbarara, and Nakasero.
The medical Director from Mengo Hospital, Doctor Simon Peter Nsingo, stated that blood donation reminds us that we are humans irrespective of our nationality, religion, tribe, skin color, gender, or anything that separates us. Blood donation unites and reminds us that we are one person since the blood donated is helpful to anyone.
‘’Some people see blood donation as a matter of charity, but I think it goes beyond charity – it is generosity. Being able to accept that any drop of blood that you give is useful because there is going to be that time when someone’s life depends on that drop of blood that you have donated,’’ said Dr. Nsingo.
The East Africa International Medical Center, led by the Chairman, Mr. Saere Asmelash, and CEO, Mrs. Helen Habteslasie, thanked everyone who participated in this 11th blood donation drive and the general public for effortless support since the establishment.
Although this program has been taking place for the last three years, this time around, the turnout was pretty good. Unlike previous times when most participants were from the Eritrean community, now is the opposite.
For example, Ugandans like members of the Uganda police represented in the names of Aliru Stella, the Superintendent of Police, Kabalagala Police Station (SP), and Mr. Bwaise Mudala, Office in Charge (OC), Kawempe Police Station participated in the program.
More so, the police pledge to always help and support all refugees in Uganda regardless of their social status as far as their security, safety, and law enforcement are concerned.
Unlocking the Potential of Urban Refugees as a Key Partner to Community Blood Services in Uganda.
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