Yogi Steels Ltd ,one of Uganda’s Top Steel Manufacturers along with its sister companies; Total Cables, Victoria Plastics, Victoria Sugar and Victoria Tyres on Tuesday 12 September launched a blood donation drive at the factory premises in Njeru Municipality , Buikwe District.
In partnership with Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), the companies kicked off a blood donation campaign to collect over 500 units of blood types currently in high demand in hospitals.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Hakim Kirigwa the Buikwe Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) said such campaigns help Ugandans get encouraged to give blood and help save countless lives across the country.
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‘’This drive will raise awareness for the need for regular blood donations, easy access to those donations and timely supply of safe and quality-assured blood and blood products as a key part of health care in Uganda’’, Kirigwa further emphasized the crucial role that each individual can play in contributing the gifts of blood, especially for patients who require lifelong transfusion support.
‘’Regular donations of blood create a safe and sustainable supply of these life-saving resources, ensuring timely treatment for patients in need’’, he added.
Insufficient blood supply can have severe consequences, including loss of lives. Emergency medical procedures, surgical interventions, and treatments for various medical conditions often rely on blood transfusions. In cases where blood is not readily available, patients may face delays in receiving critical care, leading to increased risks and potential fatalities.
Mr John Bisiku, the Njeru Municipality environment officer, stressed the unpredictability of when any individual might require a blood transfusion, underscoring that it could happen to anyone at any time.
He commended Yogi Group’s commitment as a socially conscious organization to foster a culture of voluntary blood donation and contribute to the availability of a readily accessible blood supply for patients through its partnership with the Uganda Red Cross Society.
Officials at Yogi extended their appreciation to the donors, referring to them as heroes, and acknowledged the value of the partnership with UBTS. They emphasized the crucial role of partners like Buikwe District Local Government in supporting Yogi and UBTS’s mission for the betterment of humanity.
Furthermore, officials emphasized the Yogi’s purpose, saying “Without a healthy community, we cannot fulfill our business purpose of creating Job, revenue for the government and businesses in Uganda. I encourage everyone to donate blood, as it is our collective responsibility to sustain a healthy community.”
Through this blood donation drive, Yogi Steels Ltd aim to save lives and ensure a reliable supply of blood for patients in need.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an adequate and safe blood supply is essential for healthcare systems. On average, a country should maintain a blood stock equivalent to 1% of its population. In Uganda, with an estimated population of around 45 million, approximately 450,000 units of blood are ideally required to meet the demand.
Last month, the Indian Community led by the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda Rawat Singh Upender launched a one-month blood donation drive across the country as they celebrate the 77th anniversary of the country’s independence.
At the event, the Executive Director for the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services Dr. Dorothy Kyeyune said the country requires about 1500 units of blood every day.
