Uganda has been announced as the next host of the Africa Society for Blood Transfusion conference following a successful bid.
Uganda’s bid was accepted by Africa Blood Transfusion Society with the technical help from Uganda’s Convention Bureau which is a unit in Uganda Tourism Board. The conference is scheduled to take place between 1st and 4th March 2024.
It is estimated that the conference will contribute upto the tune of US$ 0.6 million to the country’s GDP and targets to attract approximately 500 delegates with 75% expected to come from across Africa and 25% from international markets including Europe and Asia.
The UTB Chief Executive Officer Ms. Lilly Ajarova was delighted to receive the news. “this a great opportunity for us, we are working relentlessly to ensure that Uganda becomes a conference destination market. This is an indicator that the efforts have begun to bear fruit. Uganda Convention Bureau’s target between 2022 and 2025 is to attract 130 business events in the region with a value of upto US$ 100 million to Uganda through such bidding activities,” she said.
Ms. Lilly Ajarova revealed that in 2019, the International Congress & Conference Association ranked Uganda 6th in Africa for hosting international association conferences, “our target now is to improve Uganda’s ranking to be among the top 5 destinations in Africa,” she maintained.
UTB Board Chairman Hon. Daudi Migereko appreciated the efforts of the Bureau for working in partnership with other agencies to bring business to the country. “there is need to ensure that Uganda becomes a major hub for conferences in the region and we pledge support for mainstream policies that enable the Meeting, Incentives, Conferences and Events function under UTB well equipped to deliver on its mandate,” he added.
Dr. Dorothy Kyeyune Byabazaire, the Director Uganda Blood Transfusion Service-UBTS congratulated the team upon the successful bid to host the Africa Society for Blood Transfusion conference, “UBTS pledges to make this a successful event with support from the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders. By hosting this conference, the UBTS shall benefit through participation in scientific write-ups, medical research and knowledge exchange there by gaining recognition for the contribution to science,” she explained. .
Uganda Convention Bureau is a unit in the Uganda Tourism Board in charge of increasing the global awareness of Uganda as a competitive destination through management, development and marketing initiatives in order to secure an increased market share at regional and international level thus growing Uganda’s economic prowess for the benefit of stakeholder community.
Established in 2003, UBTS is a semi-autonomous Institution under the Ministry of Health mandated to make available safe and adequate quantities of blood and blood components to all hospitals in the country for proper management of patients. UBTS is accredited by th Africa Society for Blood Transfusion and is an Associate Member tasked with implementing the society’s standards.
About The Author
