Aviation Academy Blood Drive Adds to Uganda’s Blood Supply

What the report says

Students and staff at Uganda Aviation Academy have helped boost Uganda’s blood supply by donating more than 30 units during the school’s annual blood drive, according to Nile Post. The drive was organised with Nakasero Blood Bank and also drew support from people in the surrounding community. Officials from the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service said the effort added needed stock for patients who require transfusions.

The academy said the campaign is part of its corporate social responsibility work and was encouraged by continued demand for blood, especially after road crashes. The donated blood is expected to support a range of patients, including crash victims, people living with sickle cell disease and cancer, as well as mothers and children who need transfusions.

Nakasero Blood Bank’s blood donor recruiter, Rubanzo Duncan, noted that students are a major source of donors in Uganda, but supplies often drop during school holidays when many leave campus. He urged schools, institutions and companies to hold regular donation drives and encouraged healthy people aged 17 and above to donate.

Uganda Aviation Academy chief executive officer Esther Yapkoreny said the institution mobilised students and staff in response to the need for blood among accident victims and other patients. The academy also called on more Ugandans and organisations to support routine blood donation so hospitals can better maintain supplies when emergencies arise.