The donation aims to bolster UBTS’s capacity to manage severe malaria-related anemia and other critical medical needs in the country. Malaria remains a major public health concern in Uganda, with severe cases often leading to life-threatening anemia. The disease accounts for 30-50% of the country’s blood use, with over 12 million malaria cases reported annually, making it a leading cause of death among children under five.
During the handover, Grace Muliisa, Ecobank’s Managing Director, expressed the bank’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s healthcare system. “This initiative aligns with Ecobank’s mission to champion impactful, sustainable healthcare initiatives. By providing this equipment, we are helping UBTS to save lives and further strengthen Uganda’s healthcare system,” she stated.
Kenneth Mugisha, board chairman for MFU, emphasized the importance of this donation in ensuring sufficient blood availability for managing severe malaria cases and preventing preventable deaths. He thanked Ecobank and all stakeholders for their continued commitment to combating malaria in Uganda.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health, praised the collaboration and called for further resources to scale up efforts aimed at eliminating malaria in Uganda. She urged partners and stakeholders to support the MFU Malaria Elimination Fund to sustain interventions that reduce the burden of malaria and strengthen public health systems.
This partnership exemplifies how private sector engagement can address pressing health challenges in Uganda while enhancing the capacity of healthcare institutions like UBTS.