Uganda Postpartum Hemorrhage Champion Charlotte Kainerugaba, has called on eligible Ugandans to participate in blood donation drives warning that postpartum haemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in Uganda.
“Blood donation is one of the highest forms of service to humanity. Today, as we commemorate World Blood Donor Day, I encourage all eligible Ugandans to embrace voluntary blood donation as an act of compassion, solidarity, and responsibility. Together, we can save lives and strengthen our healthcare system,” she said.
Officiating at this years World Blood Donor Day celebrations in Kampala Charlotte reminded the public of the importance of safe childbirth practices and regular antenatal care however warned that postpartum haemorrhage continues to affect Ugandan women, regardless of age, education level or pregnancy history.
“Postpartum hemorrhage kills a lot of mothers. It is important to recognise that this can happen to anyone, educated or not, young or old, whether it’s your first child or the eighth,” she said.
She stressed that PPH can be treated if managed in a health facility, urging women to deliver in hospital and attend antenatal care services regularly.
“PPH is survivable if you are in the hospital. We therefore urge women to go for antenatal checks at least 8 times during pregnancy,” she stated
“Secondly, eat well. Green vegetables, millet porridge, and a health balanced diet. This will help you to have sufficient blood that you need during child birth,” she added.
She further said improving maternal health outcomes requires both medical intervention and public awareness, especially on early detection and prevention of complications during pregnancy.
This year’s global campaign is being observed under the slogan, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.” while Uganda’s national theme focuses on “From Donor to Delivery: Blood Availability for Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) Deaths Elimination.”
Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS),Executive Director Dr Dorothy Kyeyune Byabazaire inher remarks said this year’s theme emphasizes strengthening the entire blood supply chain, including donor recruitment, screening, storage and distribution, to ensure timely access to safe blood for patients in need.
She said improving blood availability remains critical in addressing postpartum hemorrhage, one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in Uganda.
“Every unit of blood donated represents hope for a patient in need. Strengthening the entire system from donor recruitment to safe delivery ensures that mothers, children, accident victims, and other patients receive timely care. Safe blood availability is central to reducing preventable deaths, especially those linked to postpartum hemorrhage,” she said.
Dr. Dorothy Kyeyune urged health workers to use blood judiciously, emphasizing the need to reserve it for patients who truly need transfusions.
Vivo Energy Uganda the distributors of shell products reiterated its support for voluntary blood donation through the Fuelling Hope initiative.
“At Vivo Energy Uganda, we believe in powering progress beyond energy. Our partnership with UBTS reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that save lives. Through World Blood Donor Day activities and our continued support under the Fuelling Hope initiative, we are helping to raise awareness and encourage more Ugandans to become voluntary blood donors,” said Managing Director Joanita Mukasa Menya.
UBTS said the Fuelling Hope campaign has previously supported efforts to mobilize communities and increase awareness about voluntary blood donation across the country.
Mukasa further said they remain committed to strengthening Uganda’s blood donation system to ensure a safe, sufficient and sustainable blood supply for patients across the country.
Uganda has joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Blood Donor Day 2026, with renewed calls for voluntary blood donation to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and reduce preventable deaths.
