It is difficult to come to terms with the thought of a 17-year-old dying. He is our patient at Ntamugenga hospital. Although the boy has survived the battles going on around him, water problems and rampant malaria, life is slowly being taken from him by cancer. Sister Agnieszka is doing what she can to make him as comfortable as possible during his most difficult days. The transfusion will not save his life, but it will make him stronger and relieve his suffering.

This week, from 22-26 November, we are celebrating blood donation days. At our hospital in Ntamugenga, blood is being donated by anyone who is in good enough shape. Due to the ongoing fighting nearby, access to medicines and food is difficult, so fewer and fewer people are able to become blood donors.

When we are short of blood donors, the blood supply has to be paid for. This cost is for maintaining the blood centre, storing and transporting blood. We are one of only two centres in the area that still operate and carry out transfusions, so we receive the most difficult cases.

Blood heals not only the wounded, but especially those suffering from malaria and anaemia. Every supply of it is worth its weight in gold, so we ask you very kindly to donate even one bag if you can. It is a real lifesaver.