Africa-Press – Lesotho. Although blood demand was met at hospitals across the country over the Easter holidays, the Lesotho Blood Transfusion Services (LBTS) has urged the public to donate more, warning that the blood bank is nearing depletion.
LBTS Manager, Mrs. Mahloli Rats’iu, told the Lesotho News Agency that over 400 pints of blood were collected before Easter. However, she said the blood bank currently has limited supplies.
“We are still collecting blood and urge both volunteers and organizations to invite us for donation drives, as blood is never enough,” she said, commending those who donated for their generosity in saving lives.
Mrs. Rats’iu also highlighted that LBTS continues to face shortages in all negative blood groups. She encouraged eligible donors to continue giving, noting that many people donate only for relatives rather than the wider community.
According to the World Health Organization, women contribute around 33 percent of blood donations globally, though this varies widely. In 15 of the 113 reporting countries, female donors account for less than 10 percent of donations.
Data also show that in low- and middle-income countries, a higher proportion of young people donate blood compared to high-income countries.
LBTS is responsible for ensuring all hospitals have access to safe blood through donor recruitment, screening, collection, and distribution.
