The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | There is looming blood shortage in Western Region Blood bank in Mbarara district.
The blood bank supplies blood to 16 districts that make up Kigezi region, greater Mbarara and greater Bushenyi, Kasese, and Rakai district.
Dr. Andrew Byamungu, in-charge of the blood bank, says the advent of the corona pandemic has made it difficult for them to collect blood.
He says the preventive measures instituted by government against the spread of the virus such as the closure of schools and ban on public gatherings have also affected their blood donation mobilization drive.
Byamungu explains that they only have 2500 units of blood yet Mbarara alone uses over 1000 units every week.
He says they need to collect at least 1000 units of blood everyday so that they don’t get any shortage. Dr. Byamungu says they put in places guidelines to enable them collect blood at the bank to avoid shortage.
Dr. Peter Sebutinde, the Mbarara District Health Officer says 33 percent of the blood collected is donated by students.
There are 33 confirmed coronavirus cases in Uganda with more than 1000 suspected cases under institutional in different centers and self-quarantine in their homes.
Over 685,000 people have been infected with COVID-19 with over 2000 cases coming from Africa.
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