NamBTS needs more blood

The Blood Transfusion Services of Namibia (NamBTS) is currently in short supply of blood, especially for the O positive and O negative blood types. “This is because O blood is needed for cases of emergency because of its compatibility to patients of other blood types,” emphasised Titus Shivute, Educational Officer at NamBTS.
Shivute has confirmed in a statement that the blood supply countrywide has been low in recent weeks due to the public holidays in March and April and 800 less donations were made. “It may not get better because we are heading for winter and this is when fewer blood donations are generally made due to the effects of the weather,” he added.
Shivute added that the desired blood supply is a 9 day blood stock level which would ensure that there is sufficient blood and blood products throughout hospitals countrywide. “The only way to give patients access to this precious life saving resources, is through the selfless act of blood donation,” emphasised Shivute.
Donors are encouraged to donate blood at the NamBTS offices from 07:00-16:00 from Monday to Friday and on 27 May 2016 at United House Building, Independence Avenue from 08:30 to 16:00, at Okahandja Mall from 10:00 to 15:00, at Grove Mall, in front of Checkers, from 09:00 to 14:30 and at Spar/Wimpy, Swakopmund from 10:00 to 15:00.
Shivute explained that blood can not be manufactured and there is no substitute for it, therefore to rebuild the nations blood supply, all donors are needed more than ever, to support NamBTS so that they can supply approximately 50 hospitals and medical centres throughout Namibia.
People interested in becoming blood donors should be older than 16 years, weigh more than 50kg, lead a sexually safe lifestyle and enjoy general good health. Namibia need approximately 2 500 units of blood every month and there are currently over 16 000 voluntary, unpaid donors in Namibia and in 2014 NamBTS collected 30 000 lifesaving donations.