Charlotte Kainerugaba launches nationwide blood donation campaign to save mothers

What the report says

Charlotte Kainerugaba, working with the Patriotic League of Uganda and the Ministry of Health, has launched a month-long nationwide campaign to encourage blood donation and help address shortages that affect mothers and other patients. The initiative was announced at Kololo Grounds, where supporters and volunteers, including security personnel and PLU members, took part in the launch activities.

According to Nile Post, the campaign will travel to different parts of Uganda to mobilise donors and build the national blood supply. Organisers said the effort is meant to ensure that pregnant women and mothers can access blood when needed, especially in cases of heavy bleeding during childbirth, which can contribute to maternal deaths. The broader shortage also affects patients with illnesses such as leukaemia and sickle cell disease who require transfusions.

Kainerugaba said the drive is important because some women die during delivery when blood is not available in time, and she urged Ugandans to donate as a way of saving lives. Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine said work is ongoing to strengthen blood banks across the country, while Uganda Blood Transfusion Services head Dr Dorothy Kyeyune Byabazaire called for regular blood donation to meet persistent demand.

The campaign adds to wider public health efforts in Uganda to improve access to blood for emergency and routine care. In general, blood supply shortages are a common challenge in many health systems, making donation drives an important tool for supporting maternal health and treatment for patients who need transfusions.