Equity Bank holds downtown blood donation drive to boost national health efforts

Equity Bank Uganda held a public blood donation drive on Thursday at Mini Price, one of the busiest locations in downtown Kampala, as part of its commitment to supporting national health services during World Blood Donor Week.

The vibrant campaign transformed the city centre into a scene of purpose and community spirit. With music playing, banners waving, and medical professionals ready at hand, members of the public paused their daily routines to join the life-saving effort. Many were donating blood for the first time, while others returned as regular contributors. By midday, dozens had already rolled up their sleeves in support.

Barbra Among, Equity Bank’s Communications Manager, explained the urgency of such initiatives in a country where hospitals are frequently challenged by blood shortages.

“We organised this drive in response to a very real crisis — hospitals across Uganda are facing severe shortages of blood,” Among said. “By setting up here at Mini Price, in the heart of Kampala, we’re removing barriers and making it easier for people to take part in an effort that literally saves lives.”

She further noted that for Equity Bank, supporting blood donation is more than a corporate social responsibility—it is a moral imperative.

“You don’t have to be a doctor to save lives. Donating just a pint of blood can mean the world to someone in need,” she said. “We are proud to stand with the Ministry of Health and the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service in this important work.”

According to the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service, the country needs at least 450,000 units of blood each year. However, collections often fall short of this target, particularly during school holidays when student-led donations drop.

Through its ongoing health-focused initiatives, Equity Bank aims to bridge that gap and encourage Ugandans to make voluntary blood donation a routine act of solidarity and compassion.