NAMBTS urges Namibians to donate blood this festive season

In a crucial call to action, the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NAMBTS) is urging all eligible blood donors in the country to make a commitment to donating blood regularly, aiming to ensure the well-being of thousands of patients as the festive season approaches.

Despite persistent efforts to replenish blood supplies over the past weeks, NAMBTS reports that the blood reserves remain critically low, particularly for O-positive and O-negative blood types. The organization has scheduled two Saturday blood donation clinics in Ongwediva and Swakopmund on December 9, 2023, to address the shortage and rebuild the blood reserves for hospitals across the nation.

The details for the blood donation clinics are as follows:

• Ongwediva: Maroela Mall in front of Crazy Stores (09:00 – 15:00)
• Swakopmund: Platz Am Meer, next to Crazy Stores (09:00 – 13:00)

NAMBTS emphasizes that blood products are not only essential for trauma and emergency patients but are also crucial for various medical situations. Patients experiencing complications during pregnancy and childbirth, premature infants, burn victims, cancer patients, and those with chronic illnesses or undergoing surgery all rely on blood products. The shortage of blood types O-positive and O-negative means that the existing blood supply in banks and hospitals would last only for a few days without substantial further collections.

All eligible donors, whether active, dormant, or first-time, between the ages of 16 to 65, are encouraged to contribute to the blood donation clinics in Ongwediva or Swakopmund this Saturday.

“We would like to invite all active, dormant or first-time donors to donate blood at the blood donation clinic,” stated NAMBTS. “Your blood is the best Christmas gift you can give.”

To refresh potential donors’ memory, the basic criteria for blood donation include being between the ages of 16 to 65, weighing more than 50kg, being medically healthy, leading a safe lifestyle, and having a commitment to helping others.

NAMBTS also offers some tips for those planning to donate blood:

• Eat a substantial meal 3-4 hours before donating blood.
• Drink plenty of water and/or juice before, during, and after donation.
• Take it easy on exercise after donation.

The NAMBTS team hopes that the community will rally together to ensure an adequate blood supply during the holiday season, emphasizing that each donation has the potential to save a life.