Charlotte Kainerugaba spearheads nationwide blood drive to save mothers

Charlotte Kainerugaba, wife of Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has initiated a significant nationwide blood donation drive. Partnering with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and the Ministry of Health, the campaign seeks to address critical blood shortages, with a particular focus on ensuring the availability of blood for mothers during childbirth.

The month-long initiative will see organizers travel across Uganda to encourage citizens to donate blood, thereby increasing the national blood supply. This effort is crucial as blood shortages continue to impact health facilities, affecting not only mothers facing complications during delivery but also patients with conditions like leukemia and sickle cell disease.

The official launch took place at Kololo Grounds, where Kainerugaba engaged with volunteers, including members of the security forces and PLU representatives. She emphasized the urgent need for accessible blood, stating, “Many women die while giving birth because they lose a lot of blood. We need to make sure that blood is available when they need it.”

Officials from the Ministry of Health, including Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen blood banks nationwide and ensure rapid response to transfusion needs. Dr. Dorothy Kyeyune Byabazaire, head of Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, urged Ugandans to view blood donation as a regular responsibility due to persistent high demand, underscoring that “Every Ugandan can save a life by donating blood.”

Balaam Barugahara, Minister of State for Local Government and a PLU leader, pledged his support in mobilizing public participation. The campaign aims to foster a culture of regular donation and significantly improve the availability of blood for those in critical need across Uganda.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/369226/charlotte-kainerugaba-launches-nationwide-blood-donation-campaign-to-save-mothers