Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Lesotho Blood Transfusion Services (LBTS) has stepped up preparations for the festive season, a period traditionally associated with an increased demand for blood, according to the organisation’s Manager, Ms. Mahloli Rats’iu.
Ms. Rats’iu said the organisation has already intensified its outreach programmes to boost blood supplies across the country. Over the past week, the LBTS team travelled to Thaba-Tseka, where they collected 120 pints of blood. She added that their current operations are focused in Mokhotlong, with plans to proceed to Mohale’s Hoek in the coming days, as part of efforts to further strengthen blood reserves.
She noted that while these mobile collection campaigns have shown positive results, the demand for blood remains constant. “There is never a situation where blood can be considered sufficient,” she said, emphasising the ongoing need for donations to ensure a reliable and ready supply.
Ms. Rats’iu further highlighted a continued shortage of negative blood groups. She explained that although these blood types are critical, individuals with negative blood groups are not encouraged to donate frequently. Instead, they are advised to donate only when a specific need arises, in order to preserve these rare blood types for emergency situations. She also drew attention to the limited shelf life of donated blood, which expires after 35 days, making continuous collection essential.
