Uganda: Tragic consequences – the impact of blood shortage on expectant mothers in Busoga

In 2023, a tragic health crisis occurred in the Busoga region of Uganda, killing at least 46 expectant mothers.

The root cause of this disaster was a severe shortage of blood, a resource that could have saved these women in their most vulnerable moments.

The anemia in Busoga was not just a medical problem; it was a grave tragedy that shook families, communities and the entire region.

These mothers, who were in desperate need of blood transfusions, were now left without the life-saving resource they so desperately needed. The consequences were fatal and preventable.

Blood is vital in medical emergencies, especially for expectant mothers who may suffer from hemorrhage during childbirth – one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heavy bleeding in healthy women can lead to death within a few hours if left untreated.

In resource-poor areas such as Busoga, where blood supplies are limited, the risk is even higher.

The crisis in Busoga underscores the urgent need to increase blood donations across Uganda.

Blood is vital not only for expectant mothers, but also for accident victims, surgical patients and people suffering from life-threatening diseases such as severe anemia and cancer.

Every donation can make a critical difference – according to the American Red Cross, it could potentially save up to three lives.

In Uganda, the demand for blood far exceeds the supply, a situation that is exacerbated by logistical challenges, a lack of education and fear of donating blood.

The Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS) has repeatedly called for more donations, stressing that only a small percentage of eligible donors donate blood regularly.