Uganda on Saturday joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Blood Donor Day 2026, with renewed calls for voluntary blood donation to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and reduce preventable deaths.
The commemoration was held under the global campaign slogan, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.” and the national theme, “From Donor to Delivery: Blood Availability for Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) Deaths Elimination.”
The event brought together government officials, health workers, development partners, private sector representatives and voluntary blood donors to highlight the importance of maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply.
World Blood Donor Day is observed annually to recognize the contribution of voluntary blood donors and raise awareness about the need for regular blood donation. In Uganda, blood is critical for emergency care, maternal health services, surgical procedures and treatment of various life-threatening conditions.
The Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS) said this year’s theme focuses on strengthening the entire blood supply chain, including donor recruitment, screening, storage and distribution, to ensure blood reaches patients in need.
According to UBTS, improving blood availability is particularly important in addressing postpartum hemorrhage, one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in Uganda.
“Every unit of blood donated represents hope for a patient in need. Strengthening the entire system from donor recruitment to safe delivery ensures that mothers, children, accident victims, and other patients receive timely care. Safe blood availability is central to reducing preventable deaths, especially those linked to postpartum hemorrhage,” said Dr Dorothy Kyeyune Byabazaire, the Executive Director of UBTS.
Vivo Energy Uganda, one of UBTS’ partners, said it would continue supporting blood donation awareness campaigns through its Fuelling Hope initiative.
“At Vivo Energy Uganda, we believe in powering progress beyond energy. Our partnership with UBTS reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that save lives. Through World Blood Donor Day activities and our continued support under the Fuelling Hope initiative, we are helping to raise awareness and encourage more Ugandans to become voluntary blood donors,” said Managing Director Joanita Mukasa Menya.
The initiative has previously supported awareness campaigns aimed at increasing voluntary blood donation across the country.
Speaking at the event, Uganda’s Postpartum Hemorrhage Champion, Charlotte Kainerugaba, encouraged eligible Ugandans to donate blood regularly.
“Blood donation is one of the highest forms of service to humanity. Today, as we commemorate World Blood Donor Day, I encourage all eligible Ugandans to embrace voluntary blood donation as an act of compassion, solidarity, and responsibility. Together, we can save lives and strengthen our healthcare system,” she said.
UBTS and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a safe, sufficient and sustainable blood supply for patients across Uganda.
The public was urged to become regular voluntary blood donors, with stakeholders emphasizing that timely access to safe blood remains critical for mothers, children, accident victims and other patients requiring emergency medical care.
