WINDHOEK – With the festive season fast approaching, the Blood Transfusion Services of Namibia (BTSN) is working around the clock by collecting blood from volunteers to make sure there is enough blood for the festive season.
Natangwe Adolph Mwafangeo, a BTSN blood recruiter yesterday told New Era that the festive season is often characterised by high numbers of motor vehicle accidents hence the drive to collect blood ahead of that season. “We don’t really have a blood crisis, but we are collecting for our blood storage for Christmas,” said Mwafangeo. With Grade 10 and 12 learners writing examinations, Mwafangeo said the BTS is targeting shopping malls and shopping centres to encourage people to donate blood. He added that Namibians do not realise the importance of donating blood.
“There is no pharmacy where a person can buy blood, the only pharmacy is your body,” said Mwafangeo, stressing the importance of donating blood. Cancer patients, patients who undergo operations, malaria patients, and anaemic patients are just some of those who benefit from blood donations should the need arise, Mwafangeo said. People willing to donate blood today in Windhoek may go to the BTS head office, United House Centre and the Polytechnic of Namibia, while those in Swakopmund can go to Shoprite.
By Alvine Kapitako