Namibia Blood Transfusion Services (NAMBTS) Educational Officer, Titus Shivute has urged potential donors to donate blood even during the time of COVID-19 as numerous patients require blood transfusions.
In a statement to the media on Monday through NAMBTS supporter, Bank Windhoek, Shivute emphasised that COVID-19 cannot be transmitted through a blood transfusion as respiratory viruses are generally not known to be carried by donations or transfusions.
The statement said between April and May this year, NAMBTS experienced critical shortages of blood during the first phase of the lockdown due to the cancellation of numerous blood donation clinics.
Shivute assured potential blood donors that safety measures are in place including social distancing and hygiene procedures.
“We have taken the Ministry of Health and Social Services and World Health Organisation advice in adjusting the nature of our operations to meet their recommendations, thus making it safe to donate blood during this period,” Shivute is quoted as saying in the statement.
The statement said NAMBTS requires over 150 blood donations per weekday to meet the country’s demand from hospitals and medical centres.
“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous patients require blood transfusions; they include mothers who bleed excessively during childbirth, anaemic patients, those with bleeding disorders, and patients who have undergone various surgeries,” adds the statement.
The next blood donation clinics at Bank Windhoek’s Property Finance and the bank’s Main Branch will take place on Wednesday and Thursday in Windhoek.
“Those interested in becoming a blood donor should be older than 16 years, weigh more than 50kg, lead a sexually safe lifestyle, and enjoy generally good health,” Shivute said.
To support NAMBTS, Bank Windhoek hosted two blood donation clinics in Windhoek in May, and in total 42 staff members donated blood, potentially saving 126 lives in the country’s hospitals.
“The bank’s support made a huge impact in helping NAMBTS rebuild a sufficient blood supply. We are immensely grateful,” said Shivute.
“As the world continues to fight COVID-19, blood is still needed more than ever before to help fight the pandemic and help save those in need of it,” Bank Windhoek’s Administrator of Benefits and Services, Joanne Sitler is quoted as saying the statement.