KAMPALA – Kampala International School of Uganda ( KISU) has kicked started a blood donation campaign to help reduce blood scarcity in Uganda.
Two students from Year 11 at KISU — Davida Ruharo and Malack Hamid came up with the blood donation drive idea to the impression of School Owner, city tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia.
The students developed the idea with the support and encouragement from Mrs Lang Jacqui their Global and Perspectives teacher.
Over the weekend, there were over 200 units of blood donated by the parents, teachers, and auxiliary staff as the drive kicked off.
Speaking during the drive, Mr Ruparelia said:
“I am glad that these young students have the heart to save lives,” he said.
“We are all potential patients and you will never know when you need blood to survive or save your loved one,” Mr Ruparelia said, adding;-
“Nationally, we need at least 340,000 units of safe blood annually, but the government normally collects up to 200,000 units or less. We are asking other schools to join us in this drive to compliment this effort as it saves people from dying,” Mr Ruparelia said.
Blood bank officials were full of praise for the KISU students initiative.
“We were shocked when the children came up with these brilliant ideas that don’t benefit them but the community,” said Joan Odyek senior nursing officer at Nakasero Blood Bank.
“We are thankful to teachers and staff for efforts aimed at saving lives and joining other partners like the National Social Security Fund and the Indian Association of Uganda,” Ms Odyek said.
Facts:
Uganda annually needs 350,000 units of blood but can only raise between 270,000-300,000 units every year, leaving a deficit of between 50,000- 100,000 units.
For every 10 people who need blood transfusion, 3 people never ever get it.
Blood is critical in the care and treatment of pregnant mothers before and during birth, pediatric care, HIV/AIDS and cancer care as well as the treatment of malaria, sickle cell and accident victims.
