Over 100 patients sent to Mbale after blood shortage hits Bududa
Bududa District in Uganda has faced severe blood shortages, forcing the referral of over 150 patients to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Local health officials are now launching 24-hour transfusion services to improve access and are urging citizens to donate blood voluntarily.
Why it matters
Addressing blood supply chain gaps is a critical public health priority for rural regions to reduce preventable mortality.
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Mbale, Uganda | URN | More than 150 patients were referred from Bududa District to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in the 2025/2026 financial year because of inadequate blood supplies, according to the District Health Officer. The shortage is reflected in the district’s request to the Mbale Regional Blood Bank. Bududa requested 6,000 units of blood during the financial year but received only 427 units, leaving a significant gap in meeting the transfusion needs of patients in the district.
Bududa DHO, Dr. Kakala Alex Mushiso, said the available blood was used to support about 500 patients, including children who often require less than one unit depending on their medical condition and the amount of blood needed. “Over 150 people are referred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital every financial year because of lack of blood in Bududa,” Mushiso said.
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