In line with the 7th universal cooperatives principle, Concern for Community, and the theme for the International Day of Cooperatives 2017 (Inclusion: ensure no one is left behind), cooperators and people of all walks of life will today replenish the blood reserves of Uganda. As the demand for blood continues to rise, yet hospitals lack enough blood, high prevalence of Malaria increases anemia especially among infants, expectant mothers are increasingly at risk of death due to blood loss, during delivery. This situation is exacerbated by the low shelf life of blood of up to 35 days for plasma can be stored for up to one year and platelets can be stored for up to 7 days only.
Aware of this dilemma, the cooperative movement resolved to organize an annual nationwide blood donation campaign, as part of the cooperative week celebrations. In 2016, cooperators collected 903 units of blood. This year 2017 the is a bigger chance for more units because of more mobilization with the goal of ensuring that no one is left to die due to blood shortage. Blood donation will take place Kampala, Mbale, Gulu, Mbarara, Jinja, Masaka, Arua, Soroti, Fort Portal, Kabale, Hoima, Lira
In addition to blood donation, the movement is marking the 2017 International Day and Cooperatives week, with other activities which include:
Nationwide tree planting, aimed at environment conservation – 27 June 2017
Pigeon hole submission of the views of cooperators, on the Cooperatives Amendment Bill, 2014, to Parliament, to promote a favorable legal framework for the Cooperative Movement – 28 June 2017.
Exhibitions of cooperatives products and services at cricket grounds Mbale – 29 June 2017.
The 2ndK. Musazi Memorial lecture at St. Austin’s Social Centre, Mbale, in memory of the instrumental role IK Musazi played in developing the cooperative movement in Uganda – 30 June 2017
International Day of Cooperatives will be hosted by Bugisu Cooperative Union and the function will be held at cricket grounds, Mbale on 1st July 2017.
The cooperative movement in Uganda continues to uphold values and principles such as democracy, economic empowerment, autonomy, self-help in driving equitable socio economic development in Uganda.
The cooperative week activities are sponsored by The Uhuru Institute for Social Development, Bugisu Cooperative Union, Oxfam, Actionaid, various Cooperative societies who are playing different roles in ensuring that this week is a success.
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