Chelva Wells

The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS) has called for urgent blood donations by Namibians to address critical shortages during the festive season.

With demand peaking in December and January, NamBTS requires 200 units of whole blood daily to meet the country’s needs.

Zita Tobin, Manager of Marketing and Donor Relations for NamBTS in an interview with Nampa on Thursday highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that current blood stocks are at their lowest levels since 2020, with just five days’ supply available.

Without sustained donations, this shortfall is expected to worsen in the coming weeks, she said.
Tobin stated that two primary challenges exacerbate the festive season’s blood shortage. 

First, fewer donors are available, as many people are preoccupied with holiday travel and preparations. Second, the demand for blood increases due to motor-vehicle accidents, ongoing cancer treatments, and life-saving transfusions required by mothers and newborns during childbirth.

“NamBTS urges the public to prioritise blood donations during this critical period. Donations not only address the immediate crisis, but also save lives of accident victims, cancer patients and others in need of urgent medical care,” she said.

Donors are encouraged to visit NamBTS offices or mobile clinics to contribute.
-Nampa