In preparation for their first health camp of 2018, Airtel Uganda has launched a blood donation drive in a bid to curb the blood shortage currently experienced across Uganda. Organised in partnership with Uganda Blood Transfusion services, blood donation centres will be set up at St. Joseph Ombachi, Manibe Republic School and Wandi Progressive schools in Arua district.
Commenting about the blood donation drive, Mrs. Charity Bukenya, the Airtel Uganda Corporate Social Responsibility Manager called upon residents of Arua and surrounding areas to join the fight against blood shortage.
“At Airtel Uganda, we believe it is our responsibility to support the work of the Government and other health practitioners in ensuring that Ugandans have access to the very best medical treatment, and this includes availability of blood in the health centers,” she commented.
Bukenya also called upon the residents to come and receive free diagnosis, treatment and referrals from expert health officers at the Airtel regional health camp that will be held at St. Kizito Primary School on 24 th February 2018 starting at 8:00am to 5:00pm.
“At this health camp, there will be free health services that include Cancer prevention Awareness, Antenatal Care for Expectant mothers, Free screening for HIV, Hepatitis B, diabetes, ulcers, blood pressure, syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases, Occular/eye care, Dental care as well as a full body checkup. We shall also teach girls how to make re-usable sanitary pads and distribute mama kits to the expectant mothers,” she added.
This is the first health camp that the telecommunications company will be holding in 2018. Last year, Airtel Uganda held similar camps in Masindi, Kisoro and Kampala districts in partnership with Hinds Feet Project Uganda various medical practitioners and health institutions such as Red Cross, Cancer Institute, Doctor Agrawal, Re-pad, Maristopes, Uniliver, District health centers and individuals. The health camps have also dedicated time to educating Ugandans on different topics such as HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, maternal and child health, nutrition, prevention of communicable & infectious diseases among others.