By; Our Reporter

14th Jan 2019

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is targeting collection of over 6,000 units of blood in a week long countrywide blood donation drive.

The NSSF’s 9th annual blood donation drive was launched today at Mulago Hospital under the theme; “stand up for life”,

Speaking at the launch, the NSSF Managing Director, Richard Byarugaba said they made it an annual activity, collecting blood at a time when institutions of learning, the highest source of blood donors are in holiday.

Byarugaba said the donation drive will take place at the Constitutional Square in Kampala, Workers House, Clock Tower, Mukwano Arcade and Owino Market, Kalerwe, Bwaise, Mukono, and Entebbe.

Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS) Director, Dr. Dorothy Kyeyune commended NSSF for championing donation drive even during Christmas festivals, saying that whereas as UBTS is mandated to collect 1,200 units of blood daily to meet the country’s demand, they are only able to collect under 800, units due to various challenges that range from access to funding and other logistics.

Last year, the NSSF blood donation drive helped Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS) collect over 4,500 units of blood. Uganda needs about 340,000 units of blood annually.


Tuesday 15th January 2019 06:08:37 AM