Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS) requires an average of 200 units of blood per day to never have a blood shortage in the country. NamBTS is a non-profit organisation that collects blood from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors. This enables NamBTS to provide the patients in Namibia with sufficient, safe and effective blood products.
Titus Shivute, Supervisor: Donor Recruitment and Public Relation, said since October last year they were faced with critical shortages of blood, and blood usage in hospitals has increased.
Shivute made the remarks during an engagement with learners from the northern areas at Mweshipandeka Secondary School. NamBTS currently needs an average of 200 units per day, an increase from 152 units required previously.
“Currently we only get over 100 units per day, making supply for blood low, which does not meet demand,” he said.
Shivute stated that each year NamBTS collects more than 37 000 units of blood from more than 26 000 active donors that impact the lives of more than 110 000 people.
Shivute stated that their donors and recipients are the priority to receive blood. He added that only 1% of the Namibian population donates blood each year.
“Because the need for blood is so unpredictable, we are often in short supply as only 1% of the Namibian population are blood donors,” he said, adding that the low percentage is caused by a huge pool of individuals who only donate once or twice but do not go back.
“We use only the latest technology and research to ensure their safety and to excel in the science of transfusion,” he said. Shivute stated that when a unit is donated, it is separated into three components and can therefore enhance the lives of three patients.
He added that NamBTS has no intention of offending any of their donors, however, they have a duty to ensure that the blood supply is as safe as possible.
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