Ahead of World Blood Donor Day, the Namibia Blood Transfusion Services commemorates the day with campaigns around the country along with hearing the testimonies of those whose lives were saved through blood transfusions.

World Blood Donor Day which is on 14 June 2020 will be celebrated under the theme “The need for safe blood is universal”. 

The world commemorates this day to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.

NamBTS Educational Officer Titus Shivute said they are celebrating the freedom to be able to have blood bank campaigns around the country because they struggled with sufficient blood supply during Stage 1 lockdown. 

The Blood Transfusion Services used to collect up to 150 units on weekdays however this number has dropped to under 100 units during stage 1.

After the introduction of stages 3 and 4, NamBTS could set up a number of blood banks in malls which enabled the organisation to build up a moderate bloodstock level. 

Currently, NamBTS has a moderate and healthy blood supply. 

Shivute said women who experience difficulties during pregnancy are the ones who in most instances need blood transfusions as well as those with different trauma injuries among others. 

Through the testimonies, Shivute hopes that it will urge Namibians to overcome their fear of needles to be able to live a life.

The objectives of this year’s campaign are to:

  • celebrate and thank individuals who donate blood and encourage more people to start donating;
  • raise wider awareness of the urgent need to increase the availability of safe blood for use wherever and whenever it is needed to save life;
  • demonstrate the need for universal access to safe blood transfusion and provide advocacy on its role in the provision of effective health care and in achieving universal health coverage;
  • mobilize support at national, regional and global levels among governments and development partners to invest in, strengthen and sustain national blood programmes.