11th AfSBT International Blood Congress opens in Kampala

Uganda is set to take the spotlight as it prepares to host the 11th African Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) International Congress, scheduled to commence Monday, March 4, to March 7, 2024.
With anticipation building and excitement palpable, delegates from across the globe are arriving for this landmark blood transfusion Congress.

The Congress, a platform for collaboration, innovation, and advancement in transfusion medicine, holds significant importance for Uganda’s healthcare landscape. As the proud host, Uganda aims to showcase its commitment to improving blood transfusion services and ensuring access to safe and effective blood and blood components.

Key stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry experts, are convening at the Speke Convention Center to engage in discussions, share insights, and explore solutions to pressing challenges in the field. With a diverse range of topics on the agenda, ranging from blood supply and demand to patient management and advancements in transfusion technology, the congress promises to be a forum for thought-provoking dialogue and collaboration.

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister for Health, has expressed her enthusiasm for Uganda’s role as the host country, emphasizing the importance of the congress in advancing transfusion medicine in Africa and beyond. “We are honored to welcome delegates from across the globe to the Pearl of Africa for this momentous event,” she remarked. “As a nation, we are committed to enhancing blood transfusion services and ensuring equitable access to safe blood for all.”

The Congress comes at a time when the demand for safe blood is on the rise, with Uganda’s population projected to reach 55 million by 2025. With this in mind, efforts to strengthen blood collection, testing, and distribution infrastructure have been intensified, with notable achievements including increased blood collection capacity and expanded transfusion facilities across the country.

As the countdown to the opening day draws to a close, anticipation is at an all-time high. Uganda stands ready to welcome delegates to the 11th AfSBT International Congress, where collaboration, innovation, and progress will take center stage in shaping the future of transfusion medicine.