This time last year, the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS) urged more Namibians to donate blood as approximately only 1% of the Namibian population donates blood annually.
NamBTS says it requires more Namibians of all blood types to donate blood regularly.
This was according to a statement by NamBTS spokesperson Titus Shivute on 6 January 2023.
“We have observed that many blood donors often donate once at a young age and thereafter defer from donating for a number of years. One is able to donate blood every 56 days and we encourage everyone to donate at least four times in a calendar year. The demand for blood and blood products is ever-increasing…” noted the statement.
NamBTS currently has a stable blood stock level with five-day reserves said Shivute.
He said NamBTS has commenced blood drives at schools and various other educational institutions and projects that blood stock levels will improve and reach the desired nine to 12 day blood stock level by the end of February.
“The importance of blood transfusions for our healthcare system cannot be understated as blood products are used in many cases, not just for trauma and emergency patients in need of blood after a motor vehicle accident or other accidents,” he said.
With only 1,2% of the Namibian population donating blood annually, NamBTS needs the assistance of more Namibians of all blood types to donate blood regularly this year to avoid a situation where patients are unable to receive transfusions.
Donors must be between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh more than 50kg, be medically healthy, lead a safe lifestyle and be committed to helping others in order to donate.
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