Two recent global health days, World Blood Donor Day (14 June) and International Nurses Day (12 May), stay close to my heart. Not because I work at a blood bank or I am a nurse, but because at...

The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS) hosted a series of blood donation drives at various venues across the country over the weekend. The drive was held in commemoration of the 21st World Blood Donor Day and took place in Windhoek, Ongwediva, and Swakopmund. According to NamBTS, the event, observed annually to raise awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation, was commemorated under the theme: ‘Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives’. The drive further honoured the estimated 1.2% of Namibians who regularly donate blood. “Namibia’s blood supply is revered for being one of the safest in the world, and we wouldn’t have been able to maintain that without the synergy between the hearts of Namibians and the technology of the day,” says NamBTS marketing and donor relations manager Zita Tobin. Tobin encourages healthy Namibians over the age of 16, weighing more than 50kg, and practicing responsible lifestyles to consider becoming regular donors. Donors are advised to eat a balanced meal within a few hours before donating and to be in good general health. NamBTS supplies approximately 83% of its collected blood to state hospitals, with the remainder going to private healthcare facilities, notes a statement. The organisation operates 242 blood donation clinics nationwide, and has played a vital role in saving countless lives over the past six decades. In addition to the blood drives, NamBTS hosted a ceremony last week to recognise long-time donors, community partners from schools, corporates, the media, and individuals who have helped grow the country’s donor base. NamBTS reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply for all Namibians, and extended gratitude to all who continue to support its mission. The post Namibia commemorates World Blood Donor Day appeared first on The Namibian.

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