Kampala, Uganda – The Ministry of Health has taken a significant step in supporting the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS) by handing over vehicles and equipment to enhance blood collection and processing.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Dr. Diane Atwine, the Ministry’s permanent secretary, some of the equipment will be installed at the Nakasero Blood Bank, while others will be distributed to new regional banks in Soroti, Arua, and Hoima, in addition to existing ones in Masaka, Fort Portal, Mbale, Mbarara, and Gulu.
Dr. Atwine emphasized that these improvements will increase UBTS’s responsiveness and enhance efficiency in regional blood banks.
The Ministry is also strengthening campaigns against issues that drive blood demand, such as road accidents, malaria, maternal and child health challenges, and sickle cell disease, which accounts for one-fifth of transfusions.
To address these challenges, Dr. Atwine stressed the need for prevention, including premarital sickle cell testing, a proactive approach aimed at reducing the burden on the healthcare system and improving overall health outcomes.
The UBTS has received support from various partners, including Ecobank, which donated equipment worth UGX 1.3 billion to enhance UBTS’s capacity to manage severe malaria-related anemia and other critical medical needs.
Similarly, MTN Uganda Foundation recently provided blood processing and storage equipment to improve blood processing and storage, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening Uganda’s healthcare system.
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