A severe lack of blood is now threatening Namibia

An official said on Tuesday that the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS) is currently dealing with a severe scarcity of blood.

Titus Shivute, a training officer at NamBTS, said that hospitals all across the country had observed an increase in the need for blood, and that more than 160 donations were required every day to fulfill the needs for patients in hospitals and health centres throughout Namibia.

"We need all kinds of blood in order to assist preserve the lives of patients who are undergoing treatment for cancer and anaemia, as well as pregnant women who are in the process of giving birth. According to what he had to say, "there is also a specific demand for the universal O-blood type, which is often transfused in times of emergency."

The availability of safe blood and blood products in adequate quantities is an essential component of a functioning healthcare system, and NAMBTS helps offer patients accessibility to safe blood and blood products. In Namibia, there are now 23,367 people registered to give blood.

In the meanwhile, in observance of World Blood Donor Day on June 14, NamBTS called on national health authorities to expand blood collection from volunteer, uncompensated blood donors by providing enough resources and putting in place mechanisms and infrastructures.

"Regular contributions by volunteer, unpaid blood donors are the only way to guarantee a sufficient supply," Shivute said. "This is the only way an adequate supply can be assured."

This year, the theme for World Blood Donor Day was "Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Help save lives by contributing to this project.