In Windhoek, the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS) is currently facing a critical shortage of blood supply.
According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), Supervisor of Marketing and Donor Relations at NamBTS, the country is down to a five-day blood supply, significantly lower than the ideal. Particularly affected are O-positive and O-negative blood types. Shivute pointed out that the ideal blood stock level should be a 9–12-day supply to ensure all patients in need receive timely and potentially life-saving transfusions. He mentioned that Namibia requires over 170 blood donations daily to meet hospital demands, a target challenged by the significant increase in transfusions over the past two months. Despite efforts in the past two weeks, the shortage persists. Shivute highlighted the diverse needs for blood products, extending beyond trauma and emergency patients. Blood is crucial for mothers experiencing complications during pregnancy and birth, premature infants, burn victims, cancer patients, and those with chronic illnesses, surgeries, or organ and blood conditions. With the festive season approaching, Shivute ur
ged all eligible blood donors in Namibia to donate regularly to help save lives. Donations can be made at NamBTS’s fixed site centers in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Ondangwa, Oshakati, and at mobile blood donation sessions in Okahandja, Ongwediva, Rehoboth, and Outapi this week.