Red Cross & Kitgum Hospital Launch Life-Saving Blood Donation Drive to Combat Shortages

Summary:

• The campaign will take place at Kitgum Main Market, Lolozo Te Cwa, Mon Bonyo Market, and Kitgum Bus Park (Ot Welo) before extending to sub-counties such as Kitgum Matidi Town Council and Omiya Anyima HCIII.

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KITGUM: The Uganda Red Cross Society, in collaboration with Kitgum Government Hospital, is set to conduct a two-day blood donation campaign to address blood shortages in the region.

Speaking at a press briefing alongside representatives from the Gulu Regional Blood Bank and Kitgum Hospital administration, Mr. Thomas Ojok, the hospital administrator, emphasized the urgent need for blood at the facility.

He highlighted a tragic case from last year where a pregnant woman from Orom lost her life during childbirth. She had delivered at home and suffered severe blood loss. Unfortunately, by the time she was rushed to the hospital, there was no blood available to save her.

Mr. Ojok further revealed that from January to December 2024, Kitgum Government Hospital requested 1,741 units of blood from the regional blood bank but received only 349 units.

He urged the community and all eligible donors to participate in the upcoming blood donation drive scheduled for January 30th and 31st, 2025. The campaign will take place at Kitgum Main Market, Lolozo Te Cwa, Mon Bonyo Market, and Kitgum Bus Park (Ot Welo) before extending to sub-counties such as Kitgum Matidi Town Council and Omiya Anyima HCIII.

“The main consumers of blood at the hospital are patients in the maternity ward, children’s ward, and accident victims,” Mr. Ojok noted.

Mr. Ochendi Michael, the Blood Donor Recruitment Officer at Gulu Regional Blood Bank, expressed concern that many people are reluctant to donate blood due to misinformation and fear.

He appealed to the public to step forward and donate, emphasizing that blood donation saves lives. The drive aims to raise awareness of the importance of regular blood donations to ensure all individuals and communities have access to safe and timely blood supplies.

This initiative is an essential part of universal health coverage and a critical component of an effective healthcare system.