In a region historically plagued by severe blood shortages and high maternal and child mortality, a remarkable transformation is underway. Since the establishment of the Moroto Blood Bank in September 2022 the Karamoja subregion is witnessing tangible improvements in healthcare delivery—especially in emergency care and maternal health. The service was established by Doctors with Africa CUAMM with support from the Embassy of Ireland in Uganda (IrishAid) and serves as collection, storage, and sistribution centre in the region.
This facility, the first of its kind in Karamoja, has revolutionized blood transfusion services by dramatically reducing the distance and time required to obtain life-saving blood.
“Before the opening of the blood bank in Moroto, the hospitals in Karamoja relied on blood from Mbale (300 km away) and Nakasero (500 km), with delivery delays of up to five days. These delays often resulted in preventable deaths, particularly among mothers and children” said Dr. Lilly Achayo Boxtell – CUAMM Project Manager.
Thanks to the Moroto centre, which now serves nine transfusion sites across nine districts, blood is more accessible for Karamoja’s 1.4 million residents. Blood collection numbers have risen significantly—from 8,063 units in the first project phase (Nov 2021–Oct 2023) to 11,439 units in the ongoing second phase (Nov 2024–May 2025), with efforts still ongoing.
Results are being collected in terms of improved health outcomes. Maternal deaths in the region have dropped from 28 at baseline to 12 by October 2023. Nationally, Uganda’s Maternal Mortality Ratio has declined from 336 to 189 per 100,000 live births between 2016 and 2022, according to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey. The under-five mortality rate in Karamoja has also decreased from 102 to 56 per 1,000 live births, in part due to the availability of safe blood for children suffering from severe malaria and anemia.
To ensure blood continues reaching those in need, Doctors with Africa CUAMM, together with the Ministry of Health Uganda, Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), Moroto Regional Referral Hospital, district local governments, and local communities, have implemented a comprehensive strategy:
- Community engagement through radio shows, community dialogues, educational dramas, donor testimonials, and information campaigns.
- Mobile blood drives in public places like markets, schools, barracks, offices, and on occasion of cultural events like the Karamoja Cultural Gala.
- Capacity building for healthcare workers through training, mentorship, and technical support.
- Infrastructure development, including equipment procurement and installation at Moroto and the supported transfusion sites.
However, challenges remain: Karamoja’s cultural conservatism and sparse population contribute to low blood donation rates, especially among those unfamiliar with the practice. Addressing this requires ongoing community sensitization and storytelling, highlighting real-life success stories and the power of donation to save lives.
“Blood donation in Karamoja is more than a medical act—it’s an act of solidarity. Every unit collected is a life preserved,” said Dr. Lilly Achayo Boxtell.
As this vital work continues, CUAMM remains committed to ensuring no mother or child dies for lack of blood, standing with the people of Karamoja to strengthen the region’s health system, one drop at a time.
