A sigh of relief as UPDF donates much needed blood in Soroti
A post by a Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Soroti regional office coordinator, caught our eye. Martha Ajilong was first seen making a plea to the public to date blood, and do it urgently. But in the wake of coronavirus and the fact that schools and churches are closed, the response was not as good. In fact, it was mostly hospital staff of the Soroti Regional Hospital who showed up.
“We are inviting you to please join us at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital daily to donate that precious gift - safe blood,” she wrote. “Together, let's save life.” Ajilong was getting desperate, the district had already lost about four children who couldn’t access their blood type and a pregnant mother was in dire need. “We lost 4 kids yesterday,” she said. “And a mother is dying if we don't avail her blood.”
So she again made a plea; she begged anyone around the municipality to come and donate and that safety would be maintained. That plea fell on the ears of the Soroti Army Barracks. They mobilized themselves and over 217 Uganda People’s Defense Force officers gave blood.
A gleeful Ajilong wrote, “Thank you UPDF for your generous donation. The medical staff of the force has boosted the UBTS field team. It is happening at the Military Barracks in Soroti.” As if giving their blood was not enough, the army medical staff helped collect it. “And their nurses, lab staff, clinician helped,” she said. “These soldiers honestly saved the blood crisis!”
By: CivSource Africa Team