When harmful information undermines trust, innovation and community voices can make the difference. This belief drives Natukunda Bernard, a Youth Volunteer with the Uganda Red Cross Society, whose pioneering work to combat misinformation earned him the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Solferino Academy’s MDH Challenge Award.

Bernard’s initiative, “Combating Harmful Misinformation Around Blood Donation at Kyangwali Refugee Settlement,” is a localized, tech-driven, and community-centered project tackling widespread myths and misconceptions about blood donation among refugees and host communities in western Uganda. Expanding its reach through engagement with nearby districts, the initiative is supported by the IFRC Solferino Academy as part of CONNECT 2025, a joint event by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the IFRC, and National Society digital and information technology teams, as well as the Tech Pioneers Awards.

The project harnesses free artificial intelligence (AI)-powered translation and communication tools to bridge deep language gaps, improve awareness, and foster trust around safe blood donation. At its core is a simple but powerful idea: when communities can learn and communicate in languages they understand—including Swahili, Kinyabwisha, Runyoro, Arabic, French, and English—they can make informed decisions that save lives.

Bernard’s motivation is deeply personal. “In 2019, my three-year-old brother died at one of Kyangwali’s health facilities due to lack of blood,” he shares. “I was inspired to come back and address these myths and misconceptions so that blood is always available, and we save innocent lives.” His work as a volunteer introduced him to the Solferino Academy and demonstrated the power of collaboration. Partnering closely with local Red Cross volunteers in Hoima, Bernard’s team conducted a baseline survey across Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, identifying misinformation trends and discovering that with the right information, community members were willing to engage in lifesaving humanitarian actions.

Technology lies at the project’s heart. “Artificial intelligence is a strong storyteller. Its ability to generate compelling visuals and videos for everyday communication means even those without storytelling skills can create change in their communities,” Bernard notes. The initiative uses AI to develop myth-busting digital content, accessible through chatbots, voice assistants, digital posters, and the training of young volunteer educators.

Although the project has seen encouraging results, Bernard acknowledges ongoing challenges. The cost of crucial devices like tablets and smartphones is high, and some essential local institutions, especially secondary schools, have stepped back from blood donation activities. Bernard and his team are working to re-engage these partners, hopeful that by the conclusion of the initiative, they will help boost local blood donation rates.

This youth-led innovation embodies the values of the IFRC Solferino Academy: inclusivity, digital transformation, and locally led action. It offers a replicable model adaptable to other linguistically diverse environments—not only for blood donation myths but also for broader community health initiatives.

“This project isn’t just about blood donation,” Bernard explains. “It’s about giving communities the tools and confidence to share truth in their own voices and their own languages.” With a final message for other young changemakers, Bernard urges, “No matter how unrealistic the idea feels, please don’t fear; make a bold step because we are the shepherds of the world, and together we are limitless.”

Bernard’s journey from personal loss to collective action, and from local volunteerism to digital innovation, stands as a powerful testament to how technology and community spirit can restore trust and transform the future of humanitarian work.

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