Ugandan districts have been given blood donating equipment in an attempt to provide enough blood in health centers and hospitals to save the lives of women and children during childbirth and others in need of blood transfusions.
The move comes comes following reports that health campaigners have been giving blood to draw attention to government failings on maternal health. Campaigners are also attempting to bring the issue before Uganda’s Constitutional Court but have twice had their hearing cancelled.
Nassuna Joyce, who works for blood transfusion services in Uganda, said: “We are aiming to save Ugandans, especially mothers, because by saving a mother we are saving a nation. We have joined activists who have put in much effort to donate. We are encouraging people to donate blood, one unit donated will save a mother and a child or others who need blood including sickle celled children and accident victims.”
The issue of maternal health is crucial to Ugandan’s future. Men are increasing in number more so than women, indicating that the problem is no longer an issue for women alone.
Activist James Kalule, a businessman who deals in electronics, said: “This is an injustice to maternal health. This is an issue which involves all parties and has no boundaries. Why should judges adjourn? Mothers are earthly God. The case should be heard and there has been no feedback about why this happened. Uganda should move forward especially on the maternal health issue.”
Campaigner Ronald Kagwa from Kawempe said: “We thought the issue of maternal health concerned only women and their children but actually it involves men too because we are the cause of all the problems they encounter especially when they become pregnant. Until delivery we should take the key part by proving at least support and encourage them to visit antenatal and keep on family planning among among other things.
Blood donator Gerald Samson from Bweyogerere said: “We all have the right to life as a constitutional right but the issue of bleeding to death involves a man that’s why we are all behind this. My brother bled and died but the cause came as a result of motorcycle accident that is why am here to donate.”
There are currently 435 deaths in every 100,000 live births in Uganda, which translates to 6000 deaths annually. Child mortality also remains high at 78 deaths per 1000 births.
