Uganda is an Amazing Rotary Country, says Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick
Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick has described the blood bank at Mengo Hospital as a shining example of Rotary’s vision and “a model of doing good in the world”. She said blood donation addresses a perennial need, helping communities and saving lives.
Urchick, who arrived in Uganda on Sunday on a week-long visit, toured the Rotary Blood Bank as the first of several impactful Rotary projects that she is scheduled to visit while in the country. She encouraged individuals to donate blood. “If you are a regular blood donor, you lower the risk of heart attack and stroke,” she said. “So, giving blood not only helps others, but is a good thing for us as well. It is my honour to see the great work that you are doing.”
The Rotary Blood Bank was established in 2017 in response to persistent blood shortages in the country, which were previously managed solely by the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS). The project was spearheaded by Past Rotary District Governor Emmanuel Katongole, now Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Rotary Blood Bank.
