Health

Research findings show that Iron levels of blood donors in Uganda are low

Published

3 years ago

November 23, 2022

Zaam Ssali

Members of the research team at the dissemination on 15th November 2022.

Makerere University researchers have released research findings showing that some blood donors in Uganda have low iron levels,low iron stores are common in blood donors, and that the donors who are deferred for low blood levels have limited insight into their situation. The findings were presented at a research dissemination workshop held on the 15^th November 2022 at Makerere University College of Health Sciences.

In his remarks, Dr. Aggrey Dhabangi, Principal Investigator (PI) of the study explained that lack of iron may result in anaemia, which in turn makes blood donors ineligible to donate. ‘Other complications arising from low iron include, fatigue, low energy, and depression’, he added.

Statistics show that Uganda collects about 300,000 blood donations per year which is below the WHO recommended target of one donation per 100 population per year. As such, more donations are needed to increase blood supply. However, 10% of potential donors are turned away (deferred), 25% of these are due to low blood levels (anaemia); these missed donations may further exacerbate blood shortages in the country. Thresholds for eligibility to donate are 12.5g/dL and 13.5 g/dL for women and men respectively.

A total of 500 donors were involved in the cross-sectional study conducted within the central region blood collection sites of the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS). The key findings of the study included:

The results showed that, of all potential donors screened to donate, 20.6 % had low iron stores. Among donors with blood levels acceptable to donate, 11.5% had low iron stores, while among those already turned away from donating for low blood levels, 61.5% also had had low iron.
The prevalence of low iron stores was higher among females (33.0%) compared to males (2.5%), but even higher among younger females i.e., 24 years and below (35.4%).
Further analysis revealed that, NOT eating an“iron-rich” diet was a major factor linked to low storesamong blood donors.
Interviews with donors turned away from donating for low blood levels revealed that many did not receive sufficient explanations as to why they were turned away, and what they were told was sometimes confusing to them.
Although the majority were surprised to be found with low blood levels and seemed frustrated for being turned away; deferral for low blood levels was generally poorly understood. Some interpreted it to mean, they had just ‘enough blood for themselves, but not enough to donate’. Others took the issue very lightly, yet their iron measurements have shown that 61.5% of these individuals besides being low on blood, they also had low iron.

The researchers gave the following recommendations:

Dietary (Iron-rich diet):Action – The population should be encouraged to adopt healthy eating lifestyle/diet which is iron-rich.Foods like leafy greens (bbugga, dodo, nakati), liver, beef, beans among others should be included in diets.
Behavioural change communicationon nutrition should be instituted to get the populations to change their diets and eating habits.
Consider Iron supplements for the population to repleteiron stores. The UBTS/Ministry of Health can offer iron pills to the affected donors. In the past this was done.
Identify donors at risk of Iron Deficiency through screening to identify affected persons early enough for interventions.
Improved communication is necessary for better handling of blood donors; the capacity of UBTS staff should be built; produce IEC materials for deferred donors: anaemia treatment, and prevention
Referral – to physicians for work-up and further management of anaemia

This study was made possible through collaboration between Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Uganda Blood Transfusion Services. Funding support was provided by the Government of the Republic of Uganda, through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) – Round 3, financial year 2021/22.

Research Team: Dr. Aggrey Dhabangi (Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PIs Dr. Godfrey Siu, Dr. Ronald Ssenyonga, Dr. Susan Acan, Mrs. Dorothy Kyeyune, and Dr. Imelda Bates.

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METS Newsletter October 2022

Health

Announcement: 2026 Intake – Certificate in Applied Health Systems Research

Published

1 week ago

May 6, 2026

Mak Editor

Announcement: 2026 Intake – Certificate in Applied Health Systems Research. Photo: Nano Banana 2

Makerere University School of Public Health invites applications for the 2026 intake of the Certificate in Applied Health Systems Research, a short, intensive virtual programme designed for professionals working at the intersection of research, policy, and health system practice.

Why this course matters

Health system challenges are rarely linear. They are shaped by institutional complexity, political realities, and competing stakeholder interests. In many cases, the issue is not the absence of evidence, but the difficulty of producing research that is relevant, timely, and usable within real decision-making environments. This course is designed to address that gap, equipping participants to generate and apply evidence that responds to actual system constraints.

Apply via: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SjPWK37nZGuLb25S2X6d9NPtME2AKlEW_kJjCimivhY/viewform?ts=6821a62d&edit_requested=true

What you will gain

Participants will develop the ability to:

frame research problems grounded in real system conditions
analyse complex interactions within health systems
design policy-relevant and methodologically sound studies
translate findings into actionable insights for decision-making

Course format and key details

The programme runs virtually from 6^th to 17^th July 2026 (2:00–5:45 PM EAT) and combines interactive sessions, applied learning, and expert-led discussions across:

systems thinking and problem framing
research design and mixed methods
evidence use in policy and practice

For full course details:https://sph.mak.ac.ug/program-post/certificate-in-health-systems-research/

Who should apply

This course is suited for:

Researchers and graduate students
Policy analysts and programme managers
Health practitioners involved in planning, implementation, or evaluation

Fees

Ugandan participants: UGX 740,000
International participants: USD 250

Application Deadline: 14 June 2026

Please find the course details below:

2026-Intake-–-Certificate-in-Applied-Health-Systems-Research Download

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Health

WHO Report Highlights Global Drowning Burden as MakSPH Contributes to Evidence and Action

Published

1 week ago

May 6, 2026

John Okeya

Demonstration of emergency medical procedures performed by the Uganda Red Cross Society at the first-ever National Water Safety Swimming Gala organised by the Ministry of Water and Environment at Greenhill Academy in Kibuli on March 21, 2026. Photo: Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University School of Public Health, through its Centre for the Prevention of Trauma, Injury and Disability, contributed to the Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention 2024, the first comprehensive global assessment of drowning burden, risk factors, and country-level responses.

Published by the World Health Organisation, the report estimates that approximately 300,000 people died from drowning in 2021, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries, which account for 92% of deaths. The African Region records the highest mortality rate, underscoring the urgency of targeted interventions. Children and young people remain the most affected, with drowning ranking among the leading causes of death for those under 15 years.

While global drowning rates have declined by 38% since 2000, progress remains uneven and insufficient to meet broader development targets. The report highlights critical gaps in national responses, including limited multisectoral coordination, weak policy and legislative frameworks, and inadequate integration of key preventive measures such as swimming and water safety education.

It further identifies persistent data limitations, with many countries lacking detailed information on where and how drowning occurs, constraining the design of targeted interventions. At the same time, the report notes progress in selected areas, including early warning systems and community-based disaster risk management.

MakSPH’s contribution to this global evidence base reflects its role in advancing research, strengthening data systems, and supporting context-specific approaches to injury prevention. Through its Centre, the School continues to inform policy and practice, contributing to efforts to reduce drowning risks and improve population health outcomes in Uganda and similar settings.

The full report can be accessed below:

Global-status-report-drowning-1 Download

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Health

MakSPH Contributes to Global Strategy to Reduce Drowning Deaths

Published

2 weeks ago

May 5, 2026

John Okeya

Illustrative photo of a man splashing in a water body. Photo: MakSPH

Makerere University School of Public Health, through its Center for the Prevention of Trauma, Injury and Disability, contributed to the Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention (2025–2035): Turning the Tide on a Leading Killer, a landmark framework guiding coordinated global action to reduce drowning.

Developed through the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention, a multi-agency platform hosted by the World Health Organization, the strategy identifies drowning as a leading yet preventable cause of death, responsible for over 300,000 deaths annually. The burden falls disproportionately on low- and middle-income countries, particularly among children and young people.

The strategy sets a global target of reducing drowning deaths by 35% by 2035 and outlines six strategic pillars, including governance, multisectoral coordination, data systems, advocacy, financing, and research. It also prioritises ten evidence-based interventions such as strengthening supervision, improving water safety and swimming skills, enhancing rescue capacity, and enforcing safety regulations.

MakSPH’s inclusion in the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention reflects its contribution to advancing research, policy engagement, and capacity strengthening in injury prevention. Through its Centre, the School supports the generation and application of context-specific evidence, positioning itself as a key contributor to global efforts to reduce drowning and strengthen community resilience.

The full document can be accessed below:

Global-strategy-for-drowning-prevention-1 Download

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