Blood donations drop amid soaring demand

A widening gap between soaring demand for blood and a decline in donations has raised fresh concerns over Namibia’s ability to maintain a stable national blood supply.Hospitals recorded a 3% rise in demand, driven primarily by maternity and cancer cases – two of the country’s biggest users of blood products, while overall donations dropped by just over 1% this year.This according to the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS) at its Annual General Meeting held in Windhoek last month.NamBTS reported that although 50 397 units of blood were collected from 32 533 donors over the past year, overall donations fell by 1.1%, largely due to reduced collections in the second half of the year. Board chairperson Marjolize Scholtz warned that the shift is increasingly concerning, particularly as national demand is projected to climb even faster. “Our forecasts indicate that the average annual increase in blood demand will range between 5% and 7%. This requires all Namibians to respond with urgency by donating blood and ensuring a steady and safe supply,” she said.State hospitals consumed 76% of all blood products produced in Namibia, with private hospitals using the remainder. Scholtz added that although Namibia’s donor base remains solid, the rise in demand – paired with the slight drop in donations – means the country’s supply system is entering a tightening phase. Repeat donors were urged to donate more frequently, with NamBTS encouraging at least four donations per donor per year.Precious resourceCritics have argued that NamBTS should compensate donors, noting that some units of blood are sold to private medical institutions without any benefit going to the donor.However, in an interview with Namibian Sun last month, NamBTS CEO Israel Chipare emphasised that blood donations are strictly voluntary and non-remunerated, in line with World Health Organization guidelines. He explained that paying donors could increase the risk of unsafe blood, as financial incentives may encourage individuals to conceal medical risks. Voluntary donors, motivated by altruism, remain the safest group. Chipare added that the policy ensures blood is treated as a precious national resource while protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation.Even under pressure, Namibia continues to lead the continent in blood safety. All donations undergo rigorous infectious-disease testing, and Namibia’s rates remain far lower than the 4.2% SADC average reported by WHO.Altruism saves lives Recognition was also given to 216 milestone donors, among them Maria M Theron and Heiko Bogalecki, who each reached their 275th donation, marking 825 lives saved per individual. Blood recipient Olivia Amadhila shared how multiple transfusions saved her life, reinforcing the need for new and existing donors to step forward, especially before the festive season, when demand typically spikes.NamBTS plans to expand clinic visits and intensify donor recruitment, particularly in the northern regions and Erongo, urging the public to watch for mobile clinic announcements and Saturday drives as the organisation works to meet Namibia’s rising medical needs.

Blood donations drop amid soaring demand

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-23

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Blood donations drop amid soaring demand

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-23

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