Vivo Energy Uganda Wins Partnership Award for Blood Drive

Vivo Energy Uganda received the Best Partnership Award for 2024 at the Vivo Energy Group Awards in Cape Town, South Africa, for its “Fuelling Hope” blood donation initiative.

The award recognised the programme’s collaboration with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services. The partnership has helped increase blood availability in Uganda, where regular and adequate supplies remain a challenge for the national health system.

Vivo Energy Uganda operates as the licensed distributor of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in the East African country. Its corporate social responsibility activities include support for health-related causes, with the blood drive forming a central part of these efforts.

The “Fuelling Hope” initiative encouraged staff, customers and members of the public to donate blood at designated centres across Uganda. Organisers promoted the activity through awareness campaigns that highlighted the constant need for safe blood in medical facilities.

According to The Independent UG, the award was presented during the annual gathering of Vivo Energy companies from across Africa. The recognition places Vivo Energy Uganda among the group’s top performers in community impact and cross-sector collaboration for that year.

Uganda’s blood transfusion service relies on voluntary donations to meet hospital demand. Shortages can affect treatment for malaria, childbirth complications and accident victims, conditions that place heavy pressure on the country’s limited blood stocks.

The partnership between the private fuel company and the public transfusion service combined logistical support, staff mobilisation and public messaging. Such cooperation is viewed as a model for addressing public health gaps through private-sector involvement.

The award comes at a time when many African businesses are expanding their contributions to national health goals beyond traditional philanthropy. Vivo Energy’s programme demonstrates how commercial entities can support critical medical infrastructure while maintaining core business operations.

Based on reporting by The Independent UG.