A total of 92 Bank Windhoek employees and customers recently donated blood at the Bank’s third round of blood donation clinics hosted in Windhoek.
Upon asking why the donors supported the initiative, most responded by saying that they understood the dire need for blood in Namibia, especially during the upcoming festive season. A Bank Windhoek customer, Jonas Ambunda, who has been donating blood for the past 22 years, said: “I have noticed over the years that blood is never enough at our health facilities. As long as I do my part, I am contributing to saving someone’s life”.
Ambunda added that the Bank should continue this important practice as he is of the opinion that it adds immense value to the lives of others.
Business woman, Sonja Hoth, also echoed Ambunda’s sentiments. “I have seen patients in need of blood and my donation can give somebody else a second chance at life,” she said. Hoth said that she will always make time to donate blood.
Thus far, a total of 244 donations were made at Bank Windhoek’s three blood donation clinics this year. These donations can potentially save 732 lives. Twenty-three new donors were recruited at these clinics. “We have also started to promote platelet donation which helps bone marrow transplant, cancer and leukemia patients. This is when blood is collected and separated into its components by a machine which keeps the platelet and the rest is returned to the donor. As a result, we had five successful platelet and plasma donations, potentially saving another ten lives. Our target is to save a thousand lives this year and I am confident that we will reach it with our last clinic in December,” said Bank Windhoek’s Corporate Wellness Consultant, Marjolize Scholtz.
A recent Namibia Blood Transfusion Services (NAMBTS) report indicated that on average most donors donate once or twice a year and if this is increased to six times, NAMBTS would have no blood shortages for the country.
Why donating blood is vital
Currently only 0.9% of Namibians donate blood. Although lost blood volumes can be temporarily replaced by synthetic solutions in trauma situations, these do not contain the necessary constituents to sustain the patient. Donor blood can mean the difference between life and death.
“It is sometimes thought that the majority of donated blood helps those involved in accidents and emergencies. However, most of the blood is used to treat expectant mothers during birth complications, those suffering from cancer, patients undergoing surgery and those with other serious illnesses,” said Scholtz.
On a monthly basis, Namibia requires more than 2 800 units of blood. Today there are just over 22 794 voluntary donors. In 2017 the Blood Service collected 34 210 lifesaving donations.
“At Bank Windhoek we strive to encourage employees and customers to see the lasting impact they have on their own lives and those around them. As an employee of Bank Windhoek and also a proud citizen of this country, I believe that we can all contribute to make a difference. Donating blood is one of the ways to enhance the life of another. You have what it takes, start today,” said Scholtz.
The next blood donation clinics are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 5 and Thursday, 6 December 2018 at Bank Windhoek’s Main and Property Finance Branches in Windhoek. Individuals who would like to donate blood, are welcome to donate at these clinics or can contact the NAMBTS centres in Windhoek and Swakopmund. Mobile clinics are similarly held throughout the country. For more information, contact NAMBTS at Tel: 061 386 300.