THE Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) collected 21 units of blood, overtaking the record set by the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NAMBTS) on Thursday last week.
NAMBTS has set a target of 20 units, and according to the NQA’s manager of marketing and communications, Catherine Shipushu, the 21 units of blood collected can potentially save 63 lives.
She added that the intervention was in response to the call by the NAMBTS for the public to donate blood in order to ensure sufficient supplies during the upcoming festive season.
According to NAMBTS, Windhoek – which is the hub for blood collections across the country – is usually empty during the festive season as people leave for various holiday destinations, and are therefore not available to donate blood. This translates to a decline in blood collections.
Shipushu said based on past trends, the holiday season is usually synonymous with road accidents and other trauma for which blood is needed. It is during this time of the year that blood supplies decline, leaving many patients at risk.
The NQA thus decided to once again partner the NAMBTS in order to contribute towards saving lives, particularly over the festive season.
Out of the 21 donors, seven were first-time givers. Among them was NQA employee Josef Shonghela, who said his decision to donate blood was fuelled by the desire to be part of an initiative that served a greater cause.
“Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person, and today I decided to become a giver of life,” said Shonghela.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
