In honor of World Blood Donor Day, dfcu Bank has launched a two-day blood donation drive in partnership with the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) at its branches. The inaugural drive kicked off this morning at the dfcu Bank Head Offices in Nakasero and will continue until June 15 at various locations, including Nakasero and Owino Markets, Nateete, and City Square.
Aligned with this year’s World Blood Donor Day theme, “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often,” dfcu Bank and URCS reaffirm their dedication to their core values, with a strong focus on people – customers, communities, staff, and partners.
The theme emphasizes the critical role each individual can play in contributing to the gift of blood or plasma, especially for patients who require lifelong transfusion support. Regular blood donations help establish a safe and sustainable supply of these life-saving resources, ensuring timely treatment for patients in need.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), maintaining an adequate and safe blood supply is crucial for healthcare systems. On average, a country should have 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.
Insufficient blood supply can lead to dire consequences, including loss of lives. Emergency medical procedures, surgical interventions, and treatments for various medical conditions often rely on blood transfusions. When blood is not readily available, patients may experience delays in receiving critical care, which can result in increased risks and potential fatalities.
Charles Mudiwa, CEO of dfcu Bank, emphasized the significance of the event as the world celebrates World Blood Donor Day. He highlighted the unpredictability of when any individual might require a blood transfusion, underscoring that it could happen to anyone at any time. Mudiwa expressed dfcu Bank’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.
Mudiwa further emphasized the Bank’s purpose, stating, “Without a healthy community, we cannot fulfill our brand purpose of transforming lives and businesses in Uganda. I encourage everyone to donate blood, as it is our collective responsibility to sustain a healthy community.”
Robert Kwesiga, Secretary General of the Uganda Red Cross Society, expressed gratitude for the initiative and the opportunity to collaborate with dfcu Bank. He commended the Bank for its unwavering support of URCS’s mission and values.
Juliet Adong, Principal Assistant Secretary of Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), extended her appreciation to the donors, referring to them as heroes, and acknowledged the value of the partnership with dfcu Bank. Adong emphasized the crucial role of partners like dfcu in supporting UBTS’s mission for the betterment of humanity. She highlighted the ongoing need for more blood donations to reach the target collection of 1% of the population.
Through this blood donation drive, dfcu Bank and the Uganda Red Cross Society aim to save lives and ensure a reliable supply of blood for patients in need. They invite the public to join this life-saving cause and make a difference in their communities.
Luke Simpson